Betis win after double injury blow, Celta, Rayo lose in Europe

Real Betis survived a bizarre double injury in the first half to secure a crucial 2-1 victory against Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday.

An early collision between Isco, who was making his first appearance of the season in the competition after injury, and Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, led to Isco leaving the pitch after nine minutes and Amrabat limping off six minutes later. Nelson Deossa and Pablo Fornals were brought in as replacements.

Cucho Hernandez put Betis ahead in the 42nd minute, with Abde Ezzalzouli taking advantage of Fornals' assist to double the lead five minutes into the second half.

Miguel Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Utrecht in the 55th minute, but Betis held on to take the win.

Celta Vigo suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat away to Bulgarian side Ludogorets, which led 3-0 after 62 minutes following a hat-trick by Petar Stanic.

Pablo Duran gave Celta hope with his goal in the 70th minute, and Jones El Abdellaoui scored a spectacular volley in the 96th minute, but it was too late for the visitors to salvage a result.

In the Conference League, Rayo Vallecano faced an unexpected defeat against Slovan Bratislava. The home side mounted a comeback after Fran Perez scored a 24th-minute opener for the Spanish team. Guram Kashia equalized for Slovan in the 49th minute, and Alasana Yirajang netted the winner three minutes later.