Real Betis vs Real Sociedad

Real Betis banked a narrow but valuable 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Estadio de La Cartuja, with goalkeeper Álvaro Valles turning in a matchwinning shift to protect the lead in the closing stages. The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute, Rodrigo Riquelme rifling home a left-footed volley off a pass from Juan Hernández. There were no red cards or penalties, though yellow cards piled up for both sides. Real Sociedad's best chance arrived in the 83rd minute, when Orri Oskarsson should have leveled from close range, but Valles produced a crucial save to deny him. The numbers tell an odd story: Real Sociedad held 52% possession and outshone Betis on expected goals, 1.40 to 1.06, yet mustered just 9 shots to the hosts' 18. Still, it's Betis who take the three points and a perfect start at La Cartuja, while Sociedad head home with plenty of good signs but nothing to show for them.