One goal from Riquelme, six saves at the other end, and Betis start with three points
Both sides were playing their first league match of the season. Real Sociedad had the better expected goals; Real Betis had the only goal, on 63 minutes.
This was a season opener played a week late — neither Real Betis nor Real Sociedad had a league match in the opening window, so both arrived at the Benito Villamarín with nothing on the board.
Rodrigo Riquelme changed that on 63 minutes, and nothing after it did.
Eighteen shots against nine
Betis took 18 shots to Real Sociedad's nine and put seven on target to three. The visiting goalkeeper made six saves. That is usually the profile of a comfortable home win, and it mostly was.
The awkward number is the expected goals: 1.40 for Real Sociedad against Betis' 1.06, built on fewer but better chances — they hit the woodwork once and ESPN logged two big chances missed. A different night and this is a draw.
Match facts
- 63' — Rodrigo Riquelme (Real Betis)
| Stat | Real Betis | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Total shots | 18 | 9 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.06 | 1.40 |
| Accurate passes | 416 (86%) | 436 (85%) |
| Corners | 4 | 5 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Fouls committed | 9 | 12 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 3 |
| Saves | 3 | 6 |
What's next
Three points from their first outing puts Betis level with the sides that won on the opening weekend, on the same games played as nobody else — the fixture list is still uneven this early. Real Sociedad start their season on zero.
Picks for you
Advertising. Affiliate links — we may earn a commission on your purchases, at no extra cost to you. It does not influence our editorial coverage.
Keep reading
International FootballHull City 2-0 Manchester United: 72% of the ball, and not one thing to show for it
Two set pieces from Regan Slater, two goals before half-time, and Hull's first league win over Manchester United since 1974. United had 21 shots and 71.5% possession. They also had nothing.
International FootballEverton 2-0 Crystal Palace: Palace hit the woodwork twice, Everton hit the net twice
Crystal Palace had 58% of the ball, four big chances and an xG of 2.04. They lost 2-0. Dewsbury-Hall and Barry scored, Pickford saved what needed saving, and Everton won on opening weekend for the first time in five years.
International FootballJack Clarke comes off the bench at Portman Road and beats the club he used to score for
Two Sunderland giveaways, two Ipswich goals. Emersonn punished the first, Jack Clarke — a Sunderland player not long ago — punished the second at 90. Gary O'Neil starts his Ipswich tenure with three points and seven new signings in the XI.