The Andalucian side, currently playing at La Cartuja while the Benito Villamarin undergoes renovations, secured their sixth win in eight league matches through an energetic attacking performance. Veteran midfielder
Isco Shines as Betis Holds Off Osasuna Fightback
The hosts established control early, with 34-year-old Isco opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Rodrigo Riquelme was fouled in the box. Ez Abde extended the lead to 2-0 shortly after the half-hour mark with a composed finish. The advantage grew further after the interval when an own goal from Ante Budimir put Betis 3-0 ahead.
Despite the comfortable cushion, the match became increasingly competitive as Osasuna responded. Budimir redeemed his earlier error by scoring at the correct end, and Raul Garcia added a second for the visitors to narrow the deficit. However, Isco restored the two-goal lead by capitalising on a loose ball inside the penalty area, and Jose Morante sealed the 5-2 win with a stoppage-time strike.
Reflecting on the match, Manuel Pellegrini acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining momentum, noting that football is rarely truly under control. The manager praised Isco’s contribution, highlighting the midfielder's maturity and spectacular quality. Elsewhere in the league, Real Sociedad secured a 3-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in a match that saw both sides finish with ten men, while Valencia drew 2-2 with Racing Santander in Javier Aguirre’s debut as coach.
