BOSS Eddie Howe watched Cherries fall to a 2-0 defeat to Real Betis – and then insisted his team had created the better chances.

A goal in each half from Ryad Boudebouz and Loren Moron allowed the La Liga side to triumph at Vitality Stadium.

Jermain Defoe and Jordon Ibe had opportunities for Cherries but could not beat ex-Everton keeper Joel Robles.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It was a really good game against very strong opposition.

“They were possession-based and we found it difficult to get our passing game going in the early stages.

“But I felt we grew into the first half and, ultimately, when you look at the game, we had the best opportunities to score but didn’t take them.

“I thought Betis were very good technically but we did cause them problems.”

Howe confirmed skipper Simon Francis had felt tightness in his hamstring in the closing stages.

And discussing Lys Mousset, he added: “Lys got a bit of cramp at the end. He was feeling one or two things so we will see how he is.”