Real Betis Beat Copa del Rey Winners Real Sociedad 1–0
Dragon Media News Desk
Real Betis made a winning start to the new La Liga season with a 1–0 victory over Copa del Rey winners Real Sociedad.
Rodrigo Riquelme scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, converting a cross from Cucho Hernández to secure all three points for Betis.
Although the fixture was officially part of the second round of the La Liga schedule, it was the opening league match of the season for both Betis and Sociedad following calendar adjustments related to the World Cup.
Betis looked more threatening in the first half but were unable to break the deadlock. Sociedad improved after the interval and attempted to regain control of the match, but the visitors were unable to find an equalizer.
Real Sociedad enjoyed slightly more possession, but Betis were more effective in attack. The home side registered 18 attempts on goal compared with nine from Sociedad. The introduction of Mikel Oyarzabal added some urgency to Sociedad’s attack, but Betis held firm.
Sociedad, who defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties to win the Copa del Rey in April, began their new league campaign with a disappointing result. Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, meanwhile, collected an important three points against a team expected to compete for European qualification.
Attention now turns to Spain’s two biggest clubs. Real Madrid, beginning Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge, will open their league campaign away to Espanyol on Saturday. After going without a major trophy in each of the past two seasons, Madrid enter the new campaign under pressure to return to domestic and European success.
Defending champions Barcelona will begin their campaign away to Elche on Sunday. Hansi Flick’s side are seeking a third consecutive La Liga title.
The opening-round fixtures of both Real Madrid and Barcelona were postponed because of the extended involvement of players in the World Cup, meaning both clubs will begin their league seasons from the second round of matches.
