Rodrigo Riquelme Goal Gives Real Betis Opening Win Over Real Sociedad in LaLiga

Real Betis opened their LaLiga EA Sports campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Real Sociedad, according to match reports from El Periódico and Emol. A 63rd-minute strike from winger Rodrigo Riquelme proved decisive, handing manager Manuel Pellegrini’s side all three points in a fixture delayed from the opening weekend due to both clubs’ international commitments over the summer.

The triumph gives the Verdiblancos an ideal start to a season that includes a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 21 years. For Real Sociedad, managed by Pellegrino Matarazzo, the defeat stings after a competitive performance that ultimately lacked a clinical edge.

A Tightly Contested First Half

Playing their rescheduled fixture after international players returned from late-stage World Cup duties, both squads displayed the expected lack of early-season rhythm. Real Sociedad controlled the initial possession, attempting to press high up the pitch while keeping Betis defensive mainstays Marc Bartra and Natan under close watch. Despite the visitors’ early dominance, Betis absorbed the pressure and grew into the match.

Real Sociedad’s Yangel Herrera orchestrated a dangerous counterattack just past the half-hour mark, feeding islandic forward Orri Oskarsson. Oskarsson failed to beat Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles in a one-on-one situation, firing wide of the target. Both sides traded physical challenges and midfield battles through the remainder of a scoreless first half that offered very few clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Riquelme Breaks the Deadlock

The pace quickened after the interval. Real Sociedad threatened first through Jon Aramburu, whose 51st-minute long-range shot was safely batted away by Valles. However, the momentum shifted when Pellegrini introduced playmaker Isco off the bench to dictate the tempo.

In the 63rd minute, Antony dos Santos sparked a swift counter down the right flank. The Brazilian winger found Colombian forward Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández, who delivered a precise pass into the penalty area for Riquelme. The winger slotted a composed left-footed shot past goalkeeper Álex Remiro to open the scoring.

“Gran jugada de Antony por la derecha, pase perfecto de Juan Camilo Hernández, ‘Cucho’, y definición de primera de Rodrigo Riquelme dentro del área,” Emol noted of the decisive sequence that unlocked the Real Sociedad backline.

Late Drama and Real Sociedad’s Missed Chances

Trailing by a goal, Real Sociedad poured players forward in search of an equalizer. Croatian midfielder Luka Sucic came agonizingly close in the 68th minute, smashing a powerful effort against the goalpost just five minutes after Riquelme’s opener. Isco nearly doubled Betis’s advantage shortly thereafter, but Remiro stood tall to parry his close-range effort.

With eight minutes remaining on the clock, Mikel Oyarzabal carved out another opening for Oskarsson inside the penalty area. Valles produced a brilliant, vital save to preserve his clean sheet and deny the visitors. Despite sustained late pressure from the Basque side, Betis managed the remaining minutes to secure the 1–0 victory.

Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

The result places Betis firmly in the early-season mix as they balance domestic aspirations with European competition. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and turn their possession dominance into goals as the Spanish top-flight schedule intensifies.

Real Betis returns to action on Tuesday with a league fixture against Valencia, where Pellegrini’s squad will look to build upon their opening win.