Betis Regains Third Place

Veteran playmaker Isco led his team, Real Betis, to reclaim third place in La Liga after scoring two goals in a commanding 5-2 victory over Osasuna on Friday in Matchday 8. The Andalusian side moved up to 19 points, taking a one-point lead over fourth-placed Real Madrid and leveling with second-placed Atletico Madrid, while sitting five points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Under Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini, the team secured its sixth win in eight league matches, delivering an entertaining attacking display at La Cartuja, their temporary home while renovations at their Benito Villamarin stadium are underway, with completion expected in 2028.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid player Isco opened the scoring from a penalty spot, before Moroccan Abdulsamad Zalzouli doubled the home side’s lead. After the break, Croatian Ante Budimir’s own goal in his own net extended Betis’ advantage to 3-0. However, the Croatian striker redeemed himself by scoring for Osasuna, and Raul Garcia added another goal, reigniting the visitors’ hopes of a comeback.

Isco then capitalized on a rebound inside the penalty area to net his second personal goal and Betis’ fourth (67th minute), before Jose Moraní completed the scoring spree with a fifth goal in stoppage time, confirming Betis’ comprehensive victory.

In another eventful match, Real Sociedad secured a thrilling 3-2 win against Deportivo La Coruña. The Basque side, currently sixth, appeared to be on course for a comfortable victory after taking a three-goal lead, but Mario Soriano pulled one back for Deportivo in San Sebastian, sparking a visitor surge.

Real Sociedad’s task became more complicated when Pablo Marin was sent off in the 66th minute after committing a foul on Cameroonian Bel Nsongu inside the penalty area. Yermai Hernandez converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit to one goal.