Real Betis Balompié dominates Premier League champion Arsenal in preseason friendly
Manuel Pellegrini's side showed their maturity on the pitch with a convincing 3-1 victory over the Premier League champions in a match played in Scotland. Goals from Riquelme, Deossa, and Fornals sealed the Betis win, as they prepare to kick off their LaLiga campaign on August 21 against Real Sociedad. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in La Liga, 46 pts, 11W-13D-7L from 31 games, recent form DDLDL.
Betis started strongly, and at the 9-minute mark, Rodrigo Riquelme capitalized on an Arsenal defensive error to open the scoring. At 26 minutes, Nelson Deossa extended the lead with a powerful shot. Although Hincapié pulled one back for Arsenal, Pablo Fornals sealed the 3-1 scoreline before halftime. The second half saw a drop in intensity, but Betis maintained control.
This win boosts Pellegrini's team confidence ahead of the LaLiga season. It also highlights the team's solidity despite the club's financial challenges. Goals this season: 45 scored, 38 conceded (+7 goal difference).
The team's next fixture will be another friendly, this time against Premier League side Bournemouth, on Saturday, August 8. Currently sidelined: Diego Conde.
