Real Betis 3-1 Real Sociedad Player Ratings: Abde Ezzalzouli 8.5/10 Rated as Betis Dominate in 3-1 Victory

Real Betis secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad in a thrilling La Liga encounter. The atmosphere at Estadio de La Cartuja was electric, and the home side certainly delivered a show for their fans. This was a game of classic two halves, end-to-end start, before Betis asserted their dominance after the break.

The match exploded into life when Cucho Hernández fired Real Betis into an early lead, only for Brais Méndez to pull one back for the visitors just minutes later. It felt like anything could happen at that point. However, the host came out for the second half with renewed purpose, and goals from the sensational Abde Ezzalzouli and the classy Pablo Fornals sealed the deal, leaving Sociedad with no way back. Several players received 7.5+ ratings in the Betis - Real Sociedad match. Here are the Real Betis vs Real Sociedad player ratings.

Real Betis Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad

Here are the Real Betis player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Pau López - 7.0: A really solid performance between the sticks. He couldn't do much about the goal he conceded but made 4 crucial saves to keep his team in control. We noticed his distribution was calm and composed, helping build from the back. He commanded his area well, especially from set-pieces.

Defenders

Héctor Bellerín - 7.5: A true captain's display. He was a constant threat down the right flank and provided a superb assist. Defensively, he was immense, winning 4 duels and making 5 clearances. He led by example, and his energy was infectious. What stood out to us was his commitment in every tackle.

Diego Llorente - 6.0: Only played the first half and had a decent, if unspectacular, outing. He seemed a little off the pace at times but didn't make any glaring errors. The defense looked more settled after he was substituted at halftime though.

Natan - 7.0: A very strong and aggressive performance. He was a rock at the back making a team-high 7 clearances and even got forward to test the keeper with a header. The yellow card was the only blot on his copybook, a result of his slightly overzealous style. He was a warrior today.

Junior Firpo - 5.0: A night to forget for the fullback. His error leading to a goal is a massive negative on any player's rating. He lost possession a staggering 20 times and looked vulnerable defensively. He was rightly hooked after 70 minutes.

Midfielders

Antony - 7.0: A bundle of energy and tricks on the wing. He created three key chances and was a constant thorn in Sociedad's side. His final product was sometimes lacking but his intent and work rate were top-notch. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Pablo Fornals - 8.0: Absolutely outstanding. He scored a goal and provided an assist, a complete attacking midfield performance. His passing was crisp, with 97% accuracy, and he created 3 chances for his teammates. From our perspective, he was one of the most intelligent players on the pitch.

Abde Ezzalzouli - 8.5: The highest-rated player and our Man of the Match. He was simply unplayable. He scored the crucial second goal, hit the woodwork twice, and terrorized the Sociedad defence all game, winning an incredible 12 duels and drawing 7 fouls. A truly electrifying performance that got fans off their seats.

Sofyan Amrabat - 7.0: The silent guardian in midfield. He did the dirty work with quiet efficiency, making 8 ball recoveries and winning most of his duels. He provided the perfect screen for the backline, allowing the more creative players to flourish. A very disciplined display.

Giovani Lo Celso - 8.0: He pulled all the strings in the middle of the park. Bagged an assist, made 3 key passes, and was a monster in the tackle, winning 11 duels. His vision and technical quality were on full display. He dictated the tempo of the game beautifully.

Forwards

Cucho Hernández - 7.5: Got the party started with a well-taken opening goal. His movement was sharp, and he worked tirelessly for the team, pressing from the front. While he faded slightly as the game went on, his early contribution was vital for the win.

Substitutes

Marc Bartra - 6.5: Came on at halftime for Llorente and helped solidify the defence. Betis looked much more secure with him on the pitch. A calming influence.

Marc Roca - N/A: Came on late to help see out the game.

Valentín Gómez - N/A: Didn't have enough time to make a significant impact.

Pablo García - N/A: A late cameo in a game already won.

Rodrigo Riquelme - N/A: Arrived with just a few minutes left.

Manager

M. Pellegrini - 8.0: His halftime substitution was a game-changer. He set his team up perfectly to exploit Sociedad's weaknesses in the second half. A tactical masterclass from the veteran manager that secured a deserved three points.

Real Sociedad Player Ratings vs Real Betis

Here are the Real Sociedad player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Álex Remiro - 4.5: A disastrous evening for the keeper. The stats sheet credits him with an error leading to a goal and an own goal, which is simply calamitous. While he made a few saves, the key moments went horribly wrong for him. He looked completely bereft of confidence.

Defenders

Jon Aramburu - 5.0: He had an absolute torrid time trying to contain Abde Ezzalzouli. He was dribbled past three times and committed four fouls, earning a yellow card for his troubles. It was a baptism of fire and one he'll want to move on from quickly.

Igor Zubeldia - 5.5: A tough day at the office. He battled hard but only won 3 of his 9 duels. He looked a yard off the pace against Betis's fluid attack and was caught out of position on a few occasions. Not his best game by any stretch.

Duje Caleta-Car - 6.0: Probably the most composed of Sociedad's defenders, but that isn't saying much. His passing was reliable, but he was part of a backline that was pulled apart far too easily. He made some important blocks but it wasn't enough.

Sergio Gómez - 6.5: A real fighter in a losing cause. He put in a massive shift, making an incredible 7 tackles and recovering the ball 11 times. He was let down by those around him. From our perspective, he can hold his head high despite the result.

Midfielders

Jon Gorrotxategi - 5.5: Was completely overrun in the midfield battle. He struggled to get a foothold in the game and was subbed early in the second half. He looked out of his depth against the quality of Lo Celso and Fornals.

Ander Barrenetxea - 6.5: One of the few bright sparks for Sociedad in the first half. He provided a smart assist for the goal and looked dangerous when he had the ball. It was a surprise to see him substituted before the hour mark.

Takefusa Kubo - 6.0: We saw flashes of his undeniable talent, but he was largely kept quiet by the Betis defense. He tried to make things happen but was often crowded out. A frustrating evening for the Japanese international.

Brais Méndez - 7.5: Sociedad's best player on the day by a country mile. He scored a fantastic goal to draw his team level and was their main creative force, making 3 key passes. He fought tirelessly and didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Pablo Marín - 5.5: A very quiet game for the midfielder. He failed to make any real impact on proceedings and was largely anonymous before his substitution. A performance he will want to forget.

Forwards

Mikel Oyarzabal - 6.5: The captain worked hard and tried to drag his team back into the game, creating 4 chances. However, he was often isolated and couldn't find a clear sight of the goal himself. You could see his frustration growing as the match wore on.

Substitutes

Carlos Soler - 5.5: Came on but couldn't influence the game's direction.

Luka Sucic - 5.5: Brought on to change things but failed to make an impression.

Arsen Zakharyan - 6.0: Looked tidy in possession but the game was already gone.

Aritz Elustondo - N/A: A late substitute with little time to do anything.

Manager

S. Francisco Ramos - 5.0: His team started well but had no answer to Betis's second-half adjustments. Defensively, they were all over the place, and his substitutions failed to change the momentum. He was thoroughly out-thought by his opposite number.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Abde Ezzalzouli