Veteran playmaker Isco scored twice as Real Betis defeated Osasuna 5-2 on Sunday to move back into third place in La Liga.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side climbed one point above fourth-placed Real Madrid and drew level on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid, while remaining five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Betis secured their sixth league victory in eight matches with an attacking performance at La Cartuja Stadium, their temporary home while the Benito Villamarin stadium undergoes renovation. The work is expected to continue until around 2028.
Isco Leads Betis’ Attacking Display
Former Real Madrid midfielder Isco opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Rodrigo Riquelme was fouled. Ez Abde then doubled Betis’ advantage with a composed finish after half an hour.
Osasuna’s hopes suffered another setback after the break when Ante Budimir scored an own goal to make it 3-0.
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However, Budimir later found the correct net, and Raul Garcia added another goal to give the visitors renewed hope of mounting a comeback.
Isco capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area to score his second goal before Jose Morante added Betis’ fifth in stoppage time, sealing an entertaining victory.
Pellegrini acknowledged that his side had allowed Osasuna back into the contest after building a commanding lead.
“Football is never truly under control,” the former Manchester City manager said. “As soon as the pace drops, the other team can pull level.”
He also praised Isco’s quality and maturity, saying the midfielder had the ability to perform at the highest level.
Valencia Draw Under New Coach
Elsewhere, Valencia earned a point in a 2-2 draw away to Racing Santander under new coach Javier Aguirre.
Valencia, who sit 19th in the standings, will be looking to turn their results around as the season progresses.
Real Sociedad also claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in another dramatic encounter.
Real Sociedad Survive Deportivo Fightback
Real Sociedad established a three-goal lead in San Sebastian, but Mario Soriano pulled one back for Deportivo to spark hopes of a comeback.
The visitors received another opportunity when Real Sociedad’s Pablo Marin was sent off in the 66th minute for a foul on Nsongo Bil inside the penalty area. Yeremay Hernandez converted the resulting spot-kick to reduce the deficit.
Both teams later finished with 10 players after Lorenzo Amatucci was sent off for bringing down Mikel Oyarzabal as the last defender.
Despite Deportivo’s late pressure, Real Sociedad held on to secure the win and maintain their position in sixth place.
Barcelona Maintain Perfect Start
League leaders Barcelona continued their outstanding start to the campaign on Saturday, defeating Getafe 3-0 for an eighth consecutive league victory.
Hansi Flick’s side remain at the top of the table with a perfect record after eight matches.
Atletico Madrid stayed in second place after snatching a late 2-1 victory away to Alaves.
Real Madrid also collected three points, edging Villarreal 1-0 despite Vinicius Junior receiving a red card for hair-pulling.
With Barcelona maintaining their winning streak and several teams competing closely behind them, the battle for the top positions remains intense early in the La Liga season.
