Rafael van der Vaart's long-awaited debut lasted just 48 minutes as Real Betis were beaten 2-1 at home by Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid midfielder called to be substituted early in the second half after clashing with team-mate Ruben Castro, much to the bemusement of his coach Pepe Mel.

The deadlock was broken shortly after his withdrawal as Fede Cartabia let fly from 30 yards and the ball spun in the air and dipped down off the crossbar and into the net, taking goalkeeper Antonio Adan completely by surprise.

But the hosts quickly got back on level terms. Van der Vaart's replacement Dani Ceballos spun way from two defenders to slip the ball into the path of Petros, who arrowed into the bottom corner.

Deportivo had also conceded a goal shortly after scoring themselves in their previous game, a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Gijon, but to their credit they lifted their heads and got themselves back in front.

Fede Cartabia unleashed a powerful strike to give Deportivo the lead in their game away against at Real Betis

Luisinho raced down the left wing on the break and crossed towards Borges at the far post. The Costa Rica international headed the ball back into the middle of the area and Faycal Fajr swivelled to half-volley the ball beyond Adan.

The win is Depor's second away victory this season and moves them up to seventh in the table.