Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, coach of the team, commented Real Betison a “controversial” shot taken by Moroccan star Abdel Samad Zalzouli (22 years old), during the Andalusian club’s last match in the Spanish League “La Liga” championship, against Espanyol.
The match was held yesterday, Sunday (September 29), on the ground of Betis’ Benito Villamarin Stadium, and ended with the home team’s victory, with a clean goal scored by Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, in the 85th minute.
The confrontation witnessed the award of a penalty kick to Real Betis, which Al-Zalzouli won before the end of the first half, and while everyone expected that he would be caught. Lo Celso The Argentine international decided to give the opportunity to his Moroccan colleague, but unfortunately for them, Espanyol goalkeeper Juan Garcia was able to block the kick.
Pellegrini appeared angry when Zalzouli scored the penalty kick, despite the presence of the Argentine specialist, and he said in press statements after the match: “I did not like it… Lo Celso made a mistake.”
The Chilean technician explained that Lo Celso is the No. 1 penalty kick taker at Real Madrid, and that the Argentine wanted to award the “kick” to Al-Zalzouli, before adding: “I assure you that this will not happen again.”
Pellegrini indicated that he did not speak about the penalty kick shot between halftime, so that the players would not be negatively affected, on a psychological level. Regarding Zalzouli’s performance in the match, Pellegrini said: “I am happy for him, because he deserved the fans’ applause today… (the penalty kick) was a moment of immaturity, but he has improved greatly mentally, and he helps us a lot.”
Abdel Samad Zalzouli is spending his second season with Betis
Abdel Samad Al-Zalzouli joined Real Betis last summer, 2023, coming from… Barcelona. The Moroccan international struggled to impose himself in the Andalusian team’s lineup last season, before assuming greater importance this season.
So far, Al-Zalzouli has played 10 matches with Real Betis this season, contributing 4 goals (scored 3 goals, provided an assist), based on data from the global “Transfer Market” website.
It is noteworthy that Zalzouli’s contract with Betis extends until June 30, 2028. The current market value of “Atlas Lion” is estimated at 9 million euros, according to “Transfer Market” estimates.
