Betis squandered a 0-2 advantage against Real Sociedad, settling for a 2-2 draw that keeps their Champions League hopes alive.
Abde and Antony celebrate one of the two Betis goals
Antony opened the scoring for Betis with a shot that hugged the far post, and Ez Abde doubled the lead early in the second half with a solo effort. Oskarsson pulled one back after two disallowed goals for offside, and Oyarzábal converted a controversial penalty to level the match. The Verdiblancos now hold a four-point lead over Celta with nine points still up for grabs in their battle for a Champions League spot.
Betis traveled to face Real Sociedad with extra motivation, knowing their fifth-place position would secure a ticket to next season’s Champions League. However, Celta’s victory at the Metropolitano added pressure, as the Galician side closed the gap to just three points before kickoff.
In the end, the draw left Betis disappointed after leading 0-2. Still, their advantage remains a solid four points, bolstered by a highly favorable overall goal average, bringing the dream of the top continental competition closer.
Real Sociedad, managed by Matarazzo, had already secured their Europa League spot by winning the Copa del Rey, but held faint hopes of reaching fifth place. With the draw, which left them with a positive feeling, they now have no mathematical chance of overtaking Betis.
The match was electric from the start. In the third minute, Antony nearly opened the scoring on the counterattack, attempting a lob from Cucho’s pass that Remiro blocked with his chest. Antonio de Triana had another chance in the seventh minute, again on the counter after a pass from Fornals; the Brazilian raced forward but fired into the side netting as he faced goal.
There was no respite. Oskarsson fed Barrene, whose effort was blocked by Ruibal, allowing Valles to clear the danger. At the other end, Cucho set up Abde, but Remiro made a close-range save. After a brief lull, Betis came again with a right-footed shot from Fornals that sailed over the bar. Real responded through Oskarsson, who shot wide, and a backheel from Barrene that Sergio Gómez couldn’t capitalize on.
Matarazzo’s side grew in confidence, and Valles made a spectacular save against Oskarsson. The rebound fell to Sergio Gómez, who hit the post. At the other end, Abde tried his luck but found Remiro in his way. It was incredible that there were still no goals.
Key moments from Real Sociedad vs Betis
Antony delivers
Then Antony stepped up. The Brazilian, who hadn’t scored since the derby against Sevilla, executed his trademark move. He received a pass from Altimira on the left, cut inside the box looking for space, and found it with a shot that nestled into the far post.
Ez Abde extends the lead
Early in the second half, Betis doubled their advantage. Ez Abde won the race against Jon Martín, entered the six-yard box with almost no angle, and blasted a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner. The Spanish-Moroccan has now scored five goals in his last six games.
Matarazzo brought on Pablo Marín and Sucic for Carlos Soler and Kubo. Betis looked comfortable and nearly scored a third through Roro Riquelme, who had just replaced Antony. The Madrid-born player outpaced his marker and unleashed a rocket toward the near post, only to be denied by Remiro.
Statistics from Real Sociedad vs Betis
Two goals disallowed for Real Sociedad for offside
Real fought back into the game when Oyarzábal assisted Gorrotxategi, whose fine shot beat Álvaro Valles. However, the goal was ruled out for offside as Oyarzábal—the European champion with Spain—had been caught offside when receiving the ball and initiating the play in which he assisted his teammate. In a later move, a pass from Sucic to Óskarsson was also flagged offside after a goal.
