Real Betis snaps four-game losing streak with 2-1 win over lowly Celta Vigo

MADRID — Real Betis snapped a four-game losing streak in the Spanish league with a 2-1 win over struggling Celta Vigo on Friday.

Betis' poor run was its worst of the season but a lovely side-footed goal from Juan Miranda after 52 minutes and a late strike from Nabil Fekir gave it a comfortable lead before Celta grabbed a late consolation goal from Jørgen Strand Larsen.

It was the first defeat for Celta coach Claudio Giráldez since taking over from Rafa Benitez three games ago and leaves his team in 17th place, immediately above the relegation zone. Celta has 28 points, three more than Cadiz in 18th.

With Granada (14 points) and Almeria (13 points) needing a miracle to stay up, Celta is one of several clubs fighting to avoid joining them.

“The team is giving a decent account of itself,” Giráldez said after the match. “We need to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Betis moved up to seventh with 45 points, one more than Valencia and four points behind sixth-place Real Sociedad. Both those clubs have a game in hand.