Pompey would have gained very little from a Spanish trip, going down 5-1 on the night.
Pompey were forced into naming a relatively inexperienced and youthful team, players like Benjani and Mokoena couldn’t get visa’s in time, while another clutch were on International duty.
Real Betis on the other hand could name a strong squad, Santa Cruz apperaing on the bench after his move yesterday.
Betis tore into Pompey from the off, the scoring opened on 2 minutes, it was not to get any better mind!
3-0 down by half-time and Pompey looked leagues away from Betis, the Spaniards playing a similar style so revered by Barcelona, quick pass and move and plenty of quick closing down as well, Pompey really did look lost.
After 80 minutes the stats showed Betis had had 18 shots at goal, Pompey not one.
After Betis added a fifth, this one the softest of the evening, Henderson allowing a tame effort squirm under his body, Pompey either found a little bit extra or more likely Betis slowed right down, first off Norris and Varney tested the ‘keeper at last, then the crossbar was rattled from a corner, tails now up Varney swivelled and his shot took a deflection to nestle in the bottom corner, scant consolation in night more about building relationships rather than football.
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