Real Betis Balompié officially begin their 2026/27 season with a LaLiga match against Real Sociedad this Friday at La Cartuja. The Verdiblancos, who did not play on the first matchday, face a direct rival for European spots in a high-intensity clash from the very start.
Manuel Pellegrini is embarking on his seventh season in charge of Real Betis Balompié, a mark of stability for the project. The team arrives reinforced after an extensive preseason with eight matches, many of them against top-level opposition, which served as a testing ground. The Chilean has been able to integrate his new signings and fine-tune the team's mechanism, which starts with renewed hope. The squad has been rebuilt by retaining its most qualified players and improving positions that needed fresh faces, a policy that contrasts with Real Sociedad's, whose reinforcements will arrive later. To follow the team's evolution, fans can check the full squad status on our squad page.
Pellegrini has a clear idea of the team that will take the field at La Cartuja. The goalkeeper will be Álvaro Valles, undisputed between the posts. The defensive line would be formed by Héctor Bellerín, Marc Bartra, Natan and Fran García. In midfield, a double pivot of Marc Roca and Facundo Bernal will provide solidity. On the wings, Antony will operate on the right and Rodrigo Riquelme on the left, with Pablo Fornals as the playmaker in the creative zone. Up front, striker Cucho Hernández will be the reference point. Quality options like Isco and Deossa will be on the bench, waiting for their chance in a rotation that will be necessary during a phase with eight matches in one month.
Betis face the opener with several important absences. The most significant is that of Ez Abde, who was already integrated into the team's dynamics but will not be available. Pellegrini also cannot count on Giovani Lo Celso, who is still recovering from muscle discomfort suffered during his holidays. The list of absentees is completed by youth players Álvaro Morante, Aitor and Diego Conde, as well as the unregistered Petit. This situation forces the manager to be cautious with recovery processes, given the tight schedule ahead. To stay updated on the squad's status, the website has an updated injuries section.
The match is expected to be very similar to those both teams played last season, as they share the goal of fighting for a European place. Real Sociedad, managed by Matarazzo, arrive after losing their last three preseason friendlies, so their feelings are less positive than Betis's. The Basque side also have key absences like Gorrotxategi and Guedes, fundamental pieces in their scheme last campaign. The referee appointed for the match is Díaz de Mera Escuderos, from the Castilla-La Mancha committee, with Del Cerro Grande on VAR duty. His statistics are very similar with both teams, with a majority of wins and only one defeat in each case. The important thing, as always, is that his work goes unnoticed.
The match is the first official test for a Betis side looking to confirm the good vibes from preseason. A positive start could provide a key morale boost for facing the dense September schedule, which includes league matches and a return to European competition. A win against a direct rival like Real Sociedad would be a statement of ambition for the rest of the season. Fans can follow the team's full calendar in our fixtures section.
