Real Betis launch LaLiga campaign by edging Real Sociedad in Sevilla

In what was an immediate test of both teams’ credentials, a fast start from Betis almost earned them the opening goal inside two minutes, but Rodrigo Riquelme failed to hit the target.

However, while the hosts remained on the front foot, they rarely troubled a solid Sociedad back line, and the visitors eventually began to find their rhythm as the game progressed. Jon Aramburu, in particular, caught the eye from a Sociedad perspective with some sharp passing and movement.

In what was proving to be an evenly-matched encounter, Hector Bellerin’s deep cross caused all sorts of problems for La Real goalkeeper Alex Remiro, before Antony fluffed a presentable chance during a Betis foray forward.

In response, Orri Oskarsson clipped a shot over Alvaro Valles, but also over the bar, as a congested midfield saw the teams cancel each other out for large parts.

With half-time on the horizon, there was a flurry of half-chances, yet Fran Garcia’s inability to find a Betis teammate when in a dangerous position was emblematic of the sides' wastefulness.

Looking to give Betis the advantage, Pablo Fornals took the game by the scruff of the neck after the break, although Oskarsson fluffed his lines at the other end once more to catch Manuel Pellegrini's men cold.

Ultimately, with around an hour played, Riquelme fired the Verdiblancos into the lead with a left-footed effort from just inside the box.

Betis should have doubled their tally for the evening shortly afterwards, but Antony dawdledwhen centrally placed and the chance went begging.

Isco then powered into the box, only to see Remiro spread himself well and divert his shot to safety. Betis were clearly in the ascendancy, but they were close to being pegged back when Luka Sucic’s shot cannoned back off the post.

As Sociedad looked to claw themselves back into the game, they inevitably left gaps at the back, and Remiro had to be alert again when Cucho Hernandez arrowed an effort towards goal.

Shortly before the final whistle, Valles’ sensational stop denied Oskarsson after the Betis defence had waited for an offside flag that never came, and that proved to be Sociedad’s final chance of the encounter.

After qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last term, Betis will be eager to continue their progress this term, and this was the perfect start. Sociedad, meanwhile, are also in Europe having won the Copa Del Rey to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League, but this was hardly an indication that they can improve on 2025/26’s disappointing 10th-placed finish.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Pablo Fornals (Real Betis)

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