Real Betis - Real Sociedad

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Are we there yet? Well, not quite - but it won't be long now. Indeed, if Getafe were to win their 6pm game against Málaga, Betis would be officially relegated to Segunda even before tonight's tricky-looking game kicks off.

Interestingly, if we're looking for a measure of how far Betis have fallen this season, tonight's opponents aren't a bad yardstick. Last year the team from San Sebastian finished fourth with 66 points, just 10 ahead of Betis; this campaign they suffered a little from the burden of having to play Champions League football in the autumn, but have lately pulled themselves up to sixth and have 54 points with four games left. In other words, they've enjoyed a broadly similar kind of season - despite losing their coach last summer. Your Real Betis Balompié, meanwhile, can currently be spotted no fewer than 32 points adrift of a team they should really have been aiming to keep up with. That's just embarrassingly bad.

But you don't need me to tell you that. By all accounts this is shaping up to be the second-worst of Betis's entire 49 seasons in Primera, and for the players, management and supporters, the end can't come soon enough. A noticeably sparse crowed is expected for tonight's penultimate home game, for which Paulao and Vadillo have been dropped, while four youngsters - goalkeeper Pedro, centre-back Caro, midfielder Dani Ceballos and forward Juanma - bulk up the squad.

They say that protests are planned for tonight, but it's hard to see quite what's left to rage against.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

Arrasate: We have to be prepared for everything

Real Sociedad manager Jagoba Arrasate acknowledged that the atmosphere at the Benito Villamarín on Saturday, which could see their opponents Real Betis relegated, is bound to have some affect on the game, but insists that his side must focus on their own task and get a win that will secure them Europa League football.

Jagoba ArrasateJagoba Arrasate was enthusiastic at his Friday press call, knowing that his team are just one win from guaranteeing themselves Europa League action next season.

“It’s a special game, exciting and Important. Our objective is within our grasp and if we win tomorrow, we’ll have achieved it. That’s something we value greatly.”

The Real Sociedad manager did acknowledge however, that for their opponents, it’s hardly going to be a day of celebration, but insists that all his team should focus on, is themselves.

“It’s sure to be a somewhat different atmosphere. We experienced the same thing last season in A Coruña, but knowing that ahead of this game, they could be relegated, I don’t know how their fans must be feeling. We have to be prepared for everything though, because it shouldn’t affect us and we have a lot to play for.”

Even though Betis are practically doomed to relegation, Arrasate still sees a dangerous opponent and one that his side must still be wary of, particularly in attack.

“I expect us to face a team that are enraged, whether they’re relegated or not, that will want to please their fanse, even though they’re in a very complicated situation. They’re a very dangerous side, most of all with the great players they have in attack. There’s Molina, Castro, Baptistao. That’s one of the most powerful attacking lines in the Primera, even though they haven’t been through the best of times.”

Once their own objective is achieved, whilst a final push for 4th and the ultimate Champions League spot seems highly unlikely, Arrasate still has sights on the team finishing the season as high as they can in La Liga.

“We’ll take things one step at a time. There’s four games left and we have to make quadruple the effort, but if we win tomorrow, we’ll have achieved our objective of qualifying for Europe. Then, we’ll still have games left to try and finish as high as possible and try to finish fifth, which would be important for us.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

Real Betis face the game they’ve been hoping to avoid all season tonight, knowing that before they even start the game, they’re already relegated to the Segunda. A different outlook completely for visiting Real Sociedad however, who can confirm their place in the Europa League next season, with a win at the Benito Villamarín.

Real Betis vs. Real Sociedad XI

Real Betis XI: Adán; Chica, Perquis, Jordi, Juan Carlos, Juanfran, N’Diaye, Lolo Reyes; Rubén Castro, B.Rodríguez, Juanma.

Subs: Pedro, Baptistao, Verdú, Molina, Cedrick, Caro, Ceballo.


Real Sociedad XI: Bravo; Zaldua, M.González, Í.Martínez, De La Bella; Zurutuza, Bergara, Canales; Carlos Vela, Agirretxe, Griezmann.

Subs: Zubikarai, C.Martínez, Elustondo, Seferovic, Xabi Prieto, Ansotegi, Chory Castro.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

Unbelievable after 45 minutes still 0-0

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

Real Betis 0-1 Real Sociedad: Vela rubs salt into relegated Betis’ wounds

Carlos Vela’s second half penalty was enough to see Real Sociedad edge past Real Betis, 1-0, at the Estadio Benito Villmarin, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season.

As for Betis, the inevitable was finally confirmed this evening, Getafe’s win over Malaga made it mathematically impossible for them to survive the dreaded drop into the Segunda. The match itself had an end-of-season feel with both sides aware of their fate for next season with little to play for but pride. Not even that seemed to inspire the Andalusians though, as an anaemic display saw Real Sociedad take advantage and ensure their place among the European places.

The early moments of the game certainly belonged to the home side, Ruben Castro had an attempt from distance after five minutes which flew over the bar but offered the fans some encouragement. Slowly but surely though Real Sociedad’s possession was getting them into some menacing positions and lead to some chances, Antoine Griezmann found himself in behind the Betis defence but the Frenchman was too slow to pick out the unmarked Agirretxe, however De La Bella’s clipped cross did find the forward whose acrobatic effort hit the outside of the post.

Carlos Vela also came close to breaking the deadlock, cutting in from the right-wing and curling a left-foot shot just past Adan’s right-hand post. Despite the bright start the best opportunities for the Verdiblancos came from set-pieces, Perquis first heading over from a free-kick then Braian Rodriguez met a corner but saw his attempt rise into the Villamarin stands. There wasn’t a single shot on target in the first half, summing up a very poor opening 45.

The second period began with a bang, however. Carlos Vela was upended in the box by a foolish challenge from Juan Carlos and referee Ayza Gamez immediately pointed to the spot. The Mexican took the penalty, neatly tucking the ball into the net to give the Basques the lead, adding further misery to Betis. The increase in intensity from La Real was proving tough for Betis to cope with, Griezmann and Vela cleverly worked a give-and-go, and the former’s shot from 16 yards took a slight deflection which directed the ball towards the far-post, but this time luck was with Betis as it came off the upright and the danger was cleared.

That spell died down for a while and it wasn’t until the 67th minute when we saw another real effort of note, Sergio Canales tried his luck from long-range but again the shot drifted wide, not troubling Adan. The former Real Madrid shot-stopper was called into action on 72 minutes when Inigo Martinez galloped forward from central defence to send a deflected shot from distance towards goal which needed Adan’s fingertips to stop it nestling into the top corner.

Jorge Molina was introduced late on which seemed to offer the home side more presence up front, although it was the much-maligned Ruben Castro who had a double-chance with 12 minutes remaining. From a corner the striker peeled to the back-post and his volley was well saved by Claudio Bravo, the second was harder to convert with a lot bodies in the area, he squeezed a weak attempt on goal which was more comfortable for Bravo to handle.

That was as close as Betis would come on their most disappointing day in La Liga for the last few years.


Real Betis 0-1 Real Sociedad

Referee: Ayza Gamez

Real Betis XI: Adán; Chica, Perquis, Jordi, Juan Carlos (73′), Juanfran, N’Diaye, Lolo Reyes (80′); Rubén Castro, B.Rodríguez, Juanma (59′).

Subs: Baptistao (59′), Molina (73′), Ceballos (80′).

Goals: N/A

Yellow Cards: Juan Carslos (30′), Rodriguez (38′)

Real Sociedad XI: Bravo; Zaldua, M.González, Í.Martínez, De La Bella; Zurutuza, Bergara, Canales (75′); Carlos Vela (87′), Agirretxe (64′), Griezmann.

Subs: Seferovic (64′), Elustondo (75′), Xabi Prieto (87′).

Goals: Carlos Vela (47′ pen)

Yellow Cards: N/A

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad manager, Jagoba Arrasate was satisfied with his side’s 0-1 victory over Real Betis on Saturday evening and even more so because they secured a place in the Europa League next season.

In his post-match press conference, Arrasate spoke about the win, which was followed by the news that their opponents had been mathematically relegated following a Getafe win over Malaga earlier in the day.

“We played a serious and practical game and in the second half we hit our stride. It’s a shame we weren’t able to get our second goal to kill the match.

“It’s a great success to qualify for Europe of a second consecutive season and once you reach this, then you have to climb the next step because it’s not the same staying in seventh as it is in sixth or fifth.

“It’s difficult to play in this context [Betis being relegated before the match began], especially for them.

“This situation is very difficult for Betis, they are very much alive and if they do things right, they’ll be right back where they deserve to be.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis - Real Sociedad

How it happened

Even from four minutes of highlights you can tell it can't have been the most spine-tingling game, which is probably why most of today's press has been focusing on the reaction of the Betis fans. When the team was announced, the following players received warm applause - Adán, Juanfran, Lolo Reyes, N'Diaye and Jorge Molina (plus the canteranos) - while every other name was whistled loudly, including that of Rubén Castro, who continued to be barracked during the game itself. Not even 80 goals in four seasons makes you above criticism, it seems, especially once you've earned yourself a reputation as an unapproachable party animal who disappears when the going gets tough (a simplification, but not far off how Rubén is regarded). Neither was Gaby Calderón give a much warmer reception; I think we can take it for granted Betis will on the look out for a new coach in the summer.

Betis 0 Real Sociedad 1 - Vìdeo Dailymotion