Football: Late Iglesias goal sends Betis into Copa del Rey final

Real Betis' Spanish forward Borja Iglesias and teammates celebrate after winning against Rayo Vallecano. PHOTO: AFP

MADRID (REUTERS) - A stoppage-time goal from Borja Iglesias rescued a 1-1 draw for Real Betis against Rayo Vallecano in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on Thursday (March 3) to send Betis into the final 3-2 on aggregate.

Betis dominated the match at a sold-out Benito Villamarin stadium but failed to score and Rayo kept alive their dream of reaching their first Spanish Cup final when Bebe scored with a stunning free kick 10 minutes from time.

The Portuguese midfielder fired an unstoppable 30-yard shot into the top corner and the match looked set to go to extra time.

Two minutes into added time, however, 40-year-old Joaquin produced a fine piece of skill near the left touchline and put Sergio Canales into space one-on-one with Rayo goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

The former Real Madrid midfielder nudged the ball towards the goal and Iglesias put it into the net.

Betis will play Valencia in the final at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on April 23.

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