Betis player gives up after horror own goal

MADRID - Real Betis defender Paulao asked to be substituted just half an hour into his side's 3-1 defeat at Rayo Vallecano after committing two huge errors that led to Rayo's first two goals.

The Brazilian's short backpass allowed Ruben Rochina to open the scoring before he turned Anaitz Arbilla's cross into his own net on 32 minutes.

A dejected Paulao then asked to be replaced and coach Gabriel Calderon admitted the 31-year-old wasn't in the right mental state to continue.

"From my experience in football I thought about changing him and then it was clear he was thinking the same thing and asked to be subbed. It was obvious that he was not going to be able to stick it out," he said.

A 22nd defeat in 34 league games put Betis on the break of being mathematically relegated as they are now 10 points from safety with four games remaining.