Hector Bellerin had the first real setback of his Real Betis loan on Sunday, as his error led to Villarreal’s opening goal in a 2-0 defeat.

Real Betis v Celtic FC: Group G - UEFA Europa League - Hector Bellerin of Real Betis during the UEFA Europa League Group G stage match between Real Betis and Celtic FC at Benito Villamarin Stadium on September 16, 2021, in Seville, Spain. Copyright: DAX Images
Real Betis v Celtic FC: Group G – UEFA Europa League – Hector Bellerin of Real Betis during the UEFA Europa League Group G stage match between Real Betis and Celtic FC at Benito Villamarin Stadium on September 16, 2021, in Seville, Spain. Copyright: DAX Images

For the most part, Hector Bellerin’s start with Real Betis has been really encouraging. He performed well in wins for the side over Granada and Getafe, and he provided an assist in the draw with Espanyol in his other appearance.

The right-back has been in and out of the team, with Manuel Pellegrini opting to use him every other game. But that’s not really an issue, as Betis have Europa League games to manage and some rotation is inevitable.

Unfortunately, Bellerin faced his first setback in a start against Unai Emery’s Villarreal on Sunday.

With half-time just moments away, Bellerin went to collect a poor pass from a Villarreal player, but his first touch escaped him and the ball fell to his former teammate Francis Coquelin. Coquelin played in Arnaut Danjuma, who ran into the box and scored.

Danjuma doubled Villarreal’s lead in the second half, and Betis suffered their first defeat since Bellerin’s arrival on loan. They’ve won five, drawn one, and now lost one in that period.

It’s a shame the mistake comes right before the international break, with no games for Betis until October 18th, when they face Deportivo Alaves. But these setbacks are inevitable in any loan spell, and Bellerin will know he just has to bounce back next game.