Real Betis Edge Real Sociedad 1-0 To Start LaLiga Campaign
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| Real Betis defeat Sociedad |
Betis get perfect start as Sociedad’s woes continue in 1-0 defeat. Riquelme fires Betis past Sociedad In LaLiga opener.
Betis beat Sociedad as both sides begin European campaigns...
Real Sociedad’s away struggles continued as they lost 1-0 to Real Betis in their LaLiga opener. The result at Estadio La Cartuja leaves La Real winless in seven away league games, while Betis have now lost just two of the last 14 meetings between the sides.
It was an early test of both sides’ ambitions and Betis came flying out of the blocks. They almost took the lead inside two minutes, but Rodrigo Riquelme couldn’t find the target.
Despite Betis staying on the attack, they struggled to break down a disciplined Sociedad defence. The visitors gradually grew into the game, with Jon Aramburu standing out for La Real thanks to his crisp passing and movement.
With the game finely balanced, Hector Bellerin whipped in a dangerous cross that caused chaos for Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro. Moments later, Antony missed a golden opportunity as Betis pushed forward again.
Sociedad hit back as Orri Oskarsson lifted an effort over Alvaro Valles, but it sailed over the bar as well. A crowded midfield meant both teams largely neutralised each other for long spells.
As half-time approached there were a few more half-chances, but wastefulness summed it up, Fran Garcia broke into a good area only to pick out no one in green and white.
Betis came out looking to take control after the break and Pablo Fornals stepped up, driving the hosts forward. At the other end, Oskarsson again failed to make the most of a chance and let Pellegrini’s side off the hook.
Just after the hour mark, Riquelme broke the deadlock. The winger cut inside and fired a left-footed shot from inside the box to put the Verdiblancos ahead.
Betis had a perfect chance to make it 2-0 soon after, but Antony hesitated when through the middle and let the opportunity slip.
Isco then burst into the box but was denied by Remiro, who spread himself to push the effort wide. Betis were on top, but were nearly pegged back when Luka Sucic crashed a shot against the post.
FT: #RealBetisRealSociedad 1-0
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) August 21, 2026
A big night for the Verdiblancos 💚#LALIGAEASPORTS #VUELVELALIGA pic.twitter.com/B16diCYrAL
As Sociedad pushed to get back into it, they left space behind and Remiro was called into action again to turn away a fierce strike from Cucho Hernandez.
Having qualified for the Champions League last season, Betis will be keen to kick on, and this opening win was the ideal way to start. Sociedad are also in Europe after winning the Copa del Rey to reach the Europa League, but this defeat offered little hope of them improving on last term’s disappointing 10th-place finish.
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