Chances missed

Real Sociedad began their league campaign with a defeat at La Cartuja. The txuri-urdin put in a solid and determined performance creating several clear opportunities, but ultimately fell to a single Riquelme goal in the second half.

Both sides looked to impose themselves from the off in an evenly contested, high-tempo first half, though clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Real Sociedad’s best opportunity before the break came on the counter through Yangel Herrera, with Óskarsson firing over, while Bernal went close for Betis with an effort just wide as the teams went into the break level.

The second half started at an equally frenetic pace, with chances at both ends. Vallés had to be alert to palm away a powerful effort from Aramburu. As both managers made changes, Betis grew into the game and found the breakthrough through a well-worked move finished off by Riquelme. Minutes later, Remiro produced a fine left-footed save to prevent the hosts from doubling their advantage.

Real Sociedad pushed hard for an equaliser, Sučić struck the post and Sergio Gómez hit the side-netting,  but the clearest chance fell in the 82nd minute, when a sublime Oyarzabal assist sent Óskarsson clean through, only for Vallés to produce a superb stop. Zakharyan also threatened after coming on, but the ball just wouldn’t go in.

A defeat on the opening day, but one in which Real Sociedad showed plenty of quality and created enough chances to take something from the game. Attention now turns to Wednesday’s trip to the Bernabéu.

Match details:

Real Betis: Vallés, Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Fran García, Facundo Bernal (Isco, 58'), Marc Roca, Antony, Fornals, Riquelme (Pablo García, 72'), Cucho Hernández (Deossa, 80').

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez (Aihen, 72'), Yangel Herrera (Turrientes, 72'), Sučić (Zakharyan, 87'), Kubo (Oyarzabal, 58'), Soler, Barrene (Marchal, 58'), Óskarsson.

Goal: 1-0 Riquelme (62').

Referee: Isidro Díaz De Mera. Bookings: Natan, Fran García (Betis); Sergio Gómez, Aramburu, Zubeldia (Real Sociedad).

Venue: Estadio La Cartuja. 59,340 spectators.