Riquelme and Valles propel Betis to victory over Real

Riquelme’s stunning goal at minute 62 and Valles’ decisive save in the final phase gave Betis a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad. The match showed Betis’ dominance in the first half, while Real improved in the closing minutes. Manager Manuel Pellegrini praised the team’s intensity and Isco’s 30-minute contribution.

Riquelme scores the decisive goal

Riquelme’s stunning goal came in the 62nd minute, finishing a great run between Antony and Cucho. With the ball at his feet, Riquelme struck with precision, putting Betis ahead before Real could respond. The goal kept the Andalusians in the lead for most of the match.

Valles and the defense in the final phase

In the closing phase, goalkeeper Álvaro Valles became the hero. After Oyarzabal’s entry, Icelandic striker Oskarsson received a pass from Susic and found himself alone against Valles. The goalkeeper made an impressive stop, preventing Real from narrowing the gap. Despite Betis’s chances to score a second goal, the team failed to convert, and Real increased its pressure in the final minutes.

Coaches’ comments

Manuel Pellegrini, in his seventh season with Betis, said: "We gave intensity from the start. We were good in the 90 minutes, though the first half had a bit of pause. I’m happy with this first match of the season. After the goal, they had good options, but Álvaro was very good. It was a close match, but I think we deserved to win. Isco is for 30 minutes per game. The newcomers were good, and I’m happy with the team’s performance."

Real’s coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, replied: "We competed and didn’t deserve to lose. We had a great chance from Oskarsson that we didn’t convert. I think we controlled Betis until the first goal. We shouldn’t have lost. We missed the goal, but we’re at the start of the season. We can play better."

Match details

The referee was Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos. Betis showed superiority in the first half, with Antony as the protagonist, while Real, without new signings, kept a solid defense. Isco’s entry, though far from his best form, helped Betis press more against Real. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Betis, solidifying its position in the European race.