Real Betis 3-1 Real Sociedad
Concern will continue on an upward trajectory in Donostia-San Sebastian following Real Betis’ triumph over Real Sociedad. By contrast, what could have been an almost equally concerning narrative will be scribbled over with positivity in Seville.
Betis started the stronger, led Giovani Lo Celso by an aggressive approach, lifting the tempo. The Argentina playmaker drove at the defence in the seventh minute, and when Cucho Hernandez managed to turn in the box from his pass, he found the roof of the net with a brilliant striker to get Los Verdiblancos off to an excellent start.
Real Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco could not have been more pleased with the response though. His side stepped onto Betis rather than retreating, and their pressure led to a giveaway in front of the box from Junior Firpo. Ander Barrenetxea rounded the keeper, and cut it back to Brais Mendez in the box. Just when it looked like the chance was gone, he curled the ball into the top corner.
While Betis continued to look for a high tempo game, releasing wingers Antony and Ez Abde into space, it was Takefusa Kubo and Barrenetxea that were looking more dangerous. The Txuri-Urdin were winning the ball in midfield and breaking with purpose. Just before the half, Pablo Marin clipped a header past the post, and only an outstanding Natan block prevented a rocket from Kubo from finding the net.
Real Sociedad run out of answers
However in the second half, Betis started strong again, and just over five minutes into the second period, a ball in from Antony grazed the head of Abde, and that made Alex Remiro’s attempted punch misguided, with the ball coming off the goalkeeper and dribbling in. Increasingly, it was La Real getting caught in midfield though, and after Jon Gorrotxategi was brought off, the issue only deepened.
The game became end-to-end, and that suited Betis, with Antony spurning a good chance, and two shots skimming the post. With 20 minutes remaining, the home side made good on their dominance, as Hector Bellerin pulled one back for the excellent Pablo Fornals to slot in unmarked on the penalty spot.
The final stages threatened to get ugly for La Real, as Betis picked them off and countered. Valentin Gomez drove into the box and couldn’t quite get hold of the finish, while Abde curled the ball across the face of goal with Remiro out of it. Not long after, Abde’s shot cannoned off the post, and he provided a lovely assist for Pablo Garcia to get his first La Liga goal – only for the 19-year-old to blaze over with the goal at his mercy. Abde on his first start of the season, was amongst the best on the pitch, providing a constant headache for La Real.
That was anecdotal for Betis fans though, who responded by singing his name after the final whistle. Manuel Pellegrini will be much more comfortable with nine points from six games, even if it is less than ideal, as they secured their second win of the season. Francisco and La Real remain winless, with two points from their opening five matches.
