Betis crowned Dresden Cup champions

Real Betis will depart Germany with a very good taste in their mouths on the back of their LaLiga World adventure. The Andalusians triumphed in the Dresden Cup after winning their second game and seeing hosts Dynamo Dresden, who had topped the standings after the first matchday, succumb to SV Werder Bremen on penalties. 

Gustavo Poyet rang the changes at the DDV-Stadion, putting out a completely different line-up compared to in Betis's opener. On this occasion, the team sheet included a number of the squad's more experienced figures, including Joaquin, Antonio Adan and Ruben Castro. In spite of the reshuffle, it was another high-energy performance from the Andalusians who, after falling behind early on, equalised through an opportunistic finish from German Pezzella. 

With 1-1 on the scoreboard at the final whistle, the encounter went to a shootout. Antonio Adan it was who was the hero, producing two saves to help his side claim the victory. "With opponents and stadiums like these, LaLiga offers us an extraordinary opportunity to prepare well for the beginning of the season," the goalkeeper remarked right after the game. However, the shotstopper was not named Man of the Match – that honour went to Brazilian midfielder Petros, who earned the accolade for his lung-busting display and accomplished distribution. He sounded an upbeat note about his team's efforts afterwards: "We're thrilled with the work we've done and we're looking forward to LaLiga Santander getting underway." 

.@RealBetis_en beat @Everton in penalty shootout in the Dresden Cup. #LaLigaWorld  pic.twitter.com/z8McBxsKFM

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) July 30, 2016

"We're coming away with a very positive view of LaLiga World. Facing high-quality opposition gives us a lot of information that will stand us in good stead in the future," said new Betis boss Poyet, who lifted the trophy together with the club's director of institutional relations, Rafa Gordillo. The Andalusian outfit will head back to Seville having extended their winning streak to six victories from six games this pre-season, and with LaLiga World silverware under their belt.