Betis Turns Up Heat on Struggling Real Sociedad
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 59/100. This rout exposes the vast gulf between Real Betis's resurgence and Real Sociedad's alarming free-fall.
Early Blitz Sets the Tone
Cucho Hernández wasted no time, striking in the 7th minute off a G. Lo Celso assist to announce Betis's intentions. From the opening whistle, the home side's intensity was suffocating—32 combined shots with 11 finding the target created a relentless barrage that tested both goalkeepers. Eight saves between them proved this was no walk in the park, even as Betis dominated the narrative.
Balance Shifts Rapidly
But Real Sociedad showed fight. B. Méndez equalized just six minutes later, courtesy of A. Barrenetxea's assist, proving the balance could flip instantly. Three lead changes across 90 minutes kept the stakes genuinely compelling—each team capable of striking a sucker punch. The first half was a chess match played at sprinter's pace.
Second-Half Demolition
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli emerged as Betis's puppet master, weaving three key passes that systematically unpicked Sociedad's defense. An A. Remiro own goal in the 49th minute tilted the match decisively, and Pablo Fornals sealed it in the 69th with H. Bellerín's assist, delivering a scoreline that matched the underlying reality.
Betis's 2.09 xG versus Sociedad's 0.67 tells the story: this wasn't luck, it was superiority. Betis sits comfortably in 8th with genuine upward momentum, while Sociedad—languishing in 18th with just 2 points from five games—faces an existential reckoning.
Key Questions
How decisive was Cucho's early goal?
Pivotal. The 7th-minute strike set the psychological tone, forcing Sociedad into reactive mode and exposing defensive fragility.
Why is Real Sociedad still winless?
Leaky defense (9 goals conceded) and blunt attack (0.67 xG). The numbers scream crisis: they're in genuine freefall.
How crucial was Ezzalzouli's performance?
Absolutely central. Three key passes and an 8.2 rating meant he orchestrated Betis's dominance and systematically dismantled opponents.
Why is this match rated 59/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 59/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.