He started studying economics, but he didn't like it. Now, at 29, Marc Roca (Vilafranca del Penedès, 1996) doesn't yet have a plan B other than football. However, he prefers not to think about it because he wants to make the most of his professional career now that the physical pain has finally disappeared from his routine. After four very tough years due to a left ankle injury, the Catalan midfielder has become one of Manuel Pellegrini's most important players for Betis. He had to undergo surgery and start over after seven months without playing. This Saturday (6:30 p.m., Movistar LaLiga) he will try to neutralize Hansi Flick's Barça. And of course, as a lifelong Espanyol fan, he will be even more motivated.

They were Bryan Gil, Ounahi, and Vanat, but deep down it was Portu, reincarnated in each and every one of the players who have worn the Girona shirt at La Cartuja. With different names, they paid him the best possible tribute. They ran like him, believing in every ball, no matter how impossible it seemed. They persisted like him, chasing the opposing goal with the desire of a teenager. They defended the badge like him, with the same passion with which the man from Murcia captivated the Montilivi crowd. The entire Girona team was Portu today. His spirit was more present than ever and almost secured the three points, but Betis, in the final stretch, equalized Vanat's opening goal (1-1).

Espanyol will have to wait at least a week to celebrate their survival. The Blue and Whites came away empty-handed after seeing two moments of individual brilliance help Betis turn things around in the final five minutes, a match they had come close to winning (1-2). A bitter defeat, but a fair one, considering the high number of chances enjoyed by the Andalusians, who did everything possible to subdue an overly conservative Espanyol. It is their first defeat at the RCDE Stadium since late October, when they fell to Sevilla. Relegation remains seven points away with twelve points left to play for.

Míchel and Girona can't keep lying. Either things change, and really change, or next season they'll be competing in the Second Division. At halftime, which gave them no chance of anything (1-3), Girona didn't even have self-respect, which is the least that should be demanded of itself. It was already obvious that it wouldn't be a normal day. Because the feeling of the end is increasingly looming in the air. Having spent a lot of bullets, it's not like there are that many left. Relegation is already three points away, and on Thursday they visit Leganés, who are five behind.