Real Betis Balompié defeated Villarreal 2-1 in a La Liga match on September 14, 2026, with goals from Cucho Hernández and Souza overturning Gerard Moreno's early opener. The game took place at Estadio de la Cerámica, where Manuel Pellegrini's side showed resilience after trailing at halftime.
Gerard Moreno scored for Villarreal in the 28th minute with a solo run, but Cucho Hernández equalised in the 38th minute following a cross from Fornals. Souza put Betis ahead in the 42nd minute after a slick move involving Isco and Deossa left the visiting goalkeeper with no chance.
Referee Francisco José Hernández Maeso oversaw an intense encounter in which Betis registered 26 total shots, though only five were on target. Villarreal managed eight shots, with goalkeeper Gulacsi making ten saves to keep his side in the game despite sustained pressure from the home side.
Dani Ceballos made his Betis debut when he came on in the 61st minute, receiving applause from the crowd. Alongside him, Abde, Isco, Cucho, Fornals, Deossa and Roca delivered strong performances, particularly in creating chances, with Antony and Deossa each crafting two clear goal-scoring opportunities.
A controversial moment arrived in the 18th minute when Buchanan's goal was disallowed for offside after VAR review. Additionally, Natan Bernardo de Souza forced an own goal from a corner kick, though the goal was not awarded following further referee assessment.
Manuel Pellegrini, who has 22 years of experience in Spanish football, praised his team's mentality after the match. The Chilean coach said the squad showed maturity and commitment, traits that have helped Betis accumulate nine points after four games.
With this win, Betis reached 12 points and temporarily topped the table alongside Real Madrid, though our verified data shows they currently sit seventh in La Liga with nine points from four matches, a record of 3W-0D-1L and zero goal difference.
Rodrigo Riquelme, the team's top scorer this season with two goals in four appearances, did not feature due to tactical choice, while Aitor Ruibal remains sidelined with an injury without a confirmed return date.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona forward, told Jorge Valdano in an interview that Villarreal and Betis are the two teams he enjoys watching most in La Liga, a comment reflecting the competitive level both sides have shown.
Betis' next fixture is against Getafe on September 17 at home in the fifth matchday, as they aim to extend their current three-game winning run.
Read the full report at El País Deportes
