Riquelme Fires Real Betis Past Real Sociedad in LaLiga

The two sides went into the interval goalless following a competitive opening half in which neither was able to turn promising moments into a breakthrough.

Betis threatened through Antony during the first half, with the Brazilian forcing Alex Remiro into a save from outside the penalty area after being released by Pablo Fornals.

The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute following a quick counter-attack.

Cucho Hernandez provided the final pass for Riquelme, who advanced from the left before directing a left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner to put Betis 1-0 ahead.

Real Sociedad responded strongly and came agonisingly close to equalising five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal helped create the opportunity for Luka Sucic, whose left-footed effort from inside the penalty area struck the right post.

The visitors continued searching for a way back into the contest as the match entered its closing stages.

Sucic later tested Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles from distance, while Orri Oskarsson also saw an effort saved as Sociedad increased the pressure.

Betis remained dangerous on the counter, however, with Fornals narrowly missing from outside the area following a break before the hosts introduced fresh legs to protect their advantage.

Antony remained a threat late in the game and forced another save from Remiro during stoppage time, but by then Betis’ priority was preserving their slender lead.

Real Sociedad won a late corner and pushed players forward in search of an equaliser, but Betis held firm through the closing minutes to complete the clean sheet and secure the 1-0 victory.

Riquelme’s goal ultimately separated the teams and gave Betis an important early-season result in LaLiga.

For Sociedad, the defeat was particularly frustrating after Sucic’s effort against the post came within inches of cancelling out the decisive strike.