A very positive run comes to an end. Betis took all the three points with two late goals at the Reale Arena, but it was la Real who deserved to win. Soccer has no regard for merits and the match was a true reflection of that.
Matches against Betis have been very complicated in recent years. Today the realistas started the match well, playing at a very intense pace and with a good inertia of passes. After touching a defender, Carlos Fernández's shot hit the post in which was the best chance for the hosts in the first half. The side from Andalusia hardly got close to Remiro, well protected by the txuri urdin defense.
After the restart, la Real had two very clear chances to take the lead. First, a right-footed shot by Carlos Fernandez, which was saved by the keeper. Then a header by Merino from a corner kick that went wide. With Betis not doing anything remarkable, it was Imanol's side who came out all guns blazing in search of the goal. Then, Betis, scored through Juan Cruz. La Real searched for an equalizer and Magunazelaia could have scored, but Rui Silva brilliantly saved his header. In stoppage time, Borja Iglesias added the second in a counterattack to put the game to bed.
It was a painful defeat. Because of the rival and specially because la Real were the better side. Soccer is like that. That’s the way it is. We must go on. Go Real!
Match sheet:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Le Normand (Aritz, min.70), Pacheco, Rico, Zubimendi, Merino (cap), Brais Méndez, Marín (Navarro, min.60), Carlos Fernández (Magunazelaia, min.70) and Sorloth (Karrikaburu, min.85).
Real Betis Balompié: Rui Silva, Sabaly, Pezzella, Edgar, Álex Moreno, Paúl, Guardado (cap), Fekir (William, min.70), Canales, Luiz Henrique (Juan Cruz, min.57) and Borja Iglesias.
Goals: 0-1: Juan Cruz, min.86. 0-2: Borja Iglesias, min.93.
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva. Booked Marín, Le Normand, Pacheco and Merino for Real Sociedad and Edgar, Fekir, Paúl and Guardado for Betis.
Attendance: 32,435 spectators.