Result and Atmosphere

Real Sociedad lost 1-0 to Real Betis in their visit to La Cartuja. The goal by Rodrigo Riquelme, in the 1-0 local minute, marked the only point of the match. The Sevilla stadium spectators enjoyed a clash of blows after the goal, leaving the local team with the advantage.

Player Evaluation

  • Álex Remiro: Delivered a good repertoire of saves after the goal, especially with a foot that took him out of Isco in the one-on-one with the Betis midfielder.
  • Jon Mikel Aramburu: Impeccable in defense despite playing the entire second half with a card. He avoided what seemed like two clear goals from Riquelme, but the Madrid player caught him on the back in the 1-0 local.
  • Igor Zubeldia: Remains a starter while waiting for Erik Bretos to find another central and performed in the La Cartuja match.
  • Jon Martín: Very fine in duels, debuting his new contract in an official match until a goal that caught him out of position when defending Antony.
  • Sergio Gómez: Was not weighed by having to defend Antony and managed to keep the Brazilian at bay as best as possible with several actions that show his defensive improvement. He finished substituted by the yellow that saw him back in the locker rooms after a near draw.
  • Yangel Herrera: With the team very back, he was key to keeping the midfield line closed, preventing Betis players from the second line. With the ball he had finesse to launch attacks.
  • Carlos Soler: Real did not manage to dominate the ball throughout the first half and fouled the Valencian, who was absent on the field. In the second he improved somewhat but did not reach what he should.
  • Luka Sucic: Was inconsequential until he had the clearest chance for Real Sociedad with a shot at Valles’ post. He must contribute more if he wants to become a regular.
  • Take Kubo: Was not fine with the ball, despite repeatedly dropping to receive the ball amid a lack of ideas in attack. He helped defense with Fran García’s constant runs.
  • Ander Barrenetxea: Focused more on defensive support to Sergio Gómez against Antony and Bellerín than on attack, where he could not repeat his goal in the same stadium at the Copa final.
  • Orri Óskarsson: Despite good off-ball movements, the Icelandic missed two clear chances when he stood alone in front of Valles, especially the second from the edge.

Substitutions and Youth Debut

  • Álex Marchal: Debut with the first team in an official match for the young academy player, who has convinced Pellegrino Matarazzo during pre-season, with few chances to shine.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal: The world champion entered the field in the second half and improved every play he participated in, including two gifts to Sucic and Oskarsson that his teammates wasted.
  • Aihen Muñoz: Like Sergio Gómez, he complied by not allowing Antony to have space to shoot or assist clearly with his left foot.
  • Beñat Turrientes: Gave more mobility to Real Sociedad’s play from his entry onto the field, already below in the score.
  • Arsen Zakharyan: The Russian entered already in the final stretch of the match.

Conclusion

The match showed Real Sociedad’s defensive solidity, but the lack of ball dominance and the absence of goals were decisive factors in the 1-0 defeat to Real Betis.