Pablo García secured victory for Real Betis Balompié at Mestalla with a solitary goal that keeps the team unbeaten. The Verdiblancos defeated Valencia 0-1 in the third LaLiga matchday cementing a perfect start to the championship with six wins from six games.
Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini, in his seventh season in charge, made five changes to the starting eleven. He fielded a completely new defense compared to the season opener, captained by Diego Llorente. Goalkeeper Álvaro Valles was key to keeping a clean sheet, stopping chances from Danjuma, Sato, and Sadiq. Betis currently sits second in the LaLiga table, with six points, two wins, and zero goals conceded from two games played.
Who was the match hero?
Pablo García, a product of the Betis youth academy, scored the winning goal. His celebration, described as a shout of rage, held special meaning as the player had recently been listed as transferable by the club. The move started with García himself winning the ball back in his own half. After combining with debutant Parrot and Fran García on the left wing, the midfielder finished to score.
The young Parrot, who made his LaLiga debut for Betis, made an error shortly after coming on. Other substitutes like Isco, Fran García, and Bellerín also entered in the second half. Fran García and Bellerín are considered the squad's best full-backs, but they did not start this match.
How is Pellegrini's squad shaping up?
Despite the win, the performance of some key players from last campaign was not optimal. Antony and Fornals did not shine, while Cucho Hernández seemed to lack support and possibly match rhythm. Pellegrini himself acknowledged after the match that "we need a couple of tweaks," referring to the summer transfer window which remains open.
The stated objective for Real Betis this season is to qualify for European competition. Pellegrini, nicknamed 'the Engineer' due to his background, has expressed his desire to compete in the Champions League with guarantees. His long career, including spells at Villarreal, Málaga, and Manchester City, backs this ambition. The fans, for their part, chanted at Mestalla: "No lo discutan más, que son siete años igual" (Don't argue anymore, it's been seven years the same).
What's next for Betis?
The next test for the team is a trip to face 17th-placed Levante on August 29. This match is part of a busy schedule fans can follow on our fixtures page. With a +2 goal difference and a winning streak, confidence in the dressing room is high.
The defensive solidity shown at Mestalla, with zero goals conceded so far this season, is a foundation to build upon. The team needs to maintain this consistency to aim for the top spots in the standings. The continuity of Pellegrini's project, now in its seventh year, is supported by these results. The next match will be another chance to prove the strong start is no fluke.
