Rodrigo Riquelme fires Real Betis to winning La Liga start over Real Sociedad

The result extended Betis' strong recent record against Sociedad, with the Seville club now losing just two of their last 14 meetings. For Sociedad, the defeat continued a difficult run away from home, with La Real now without a win in their last seven La Liga matches on the road.

Betis started brightly and nearly took the lead inside two minutes when Riquelme found space, but his effort missed the target.

The hosts continued to push forward, although Sociedad's defence remained organised and limited the clear chances. The visitors gradually settled into the contest, with Jon Aramburu particularly impressive with his movement and passing.

Betis came close when Hector Bellerin sent a dangerous cross into the box that caused problems for goalkeeper Alex Remiro, while Antony later wasted another promising opportunity.

Sociedad responded through Orri Oskarsson, who lifted an effort over Alvaro Valles but also over the crossbar as both sides struggled to find the final pass in a tightly contested midfield battle.

The game remained level at half-time, with neither team able to make their pressure count.

Betis stepped up the intensity after the restart, with Pablo Fornals becoming increasingly influential. Sociedad continued to threaten on the counter, but Oskarsson missed another opportunity to punish the hosts.

The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark when Riquelme cut inside and fired a left-footed shot from just inside the box beyond Remiro.

Betis then pushed for a second goal. Antony was unable to make the most of a good position in the centre, before Isco powered into the area only for Remiro to make an excellent save.

Sociedad almost found an immediate response when Luka Sucic struck the post, but Betis remained the more dangerous side as the final stages approached.

Remiro was called into action again to keep out Cucho Hernandez, while Valles produced the decisive late save at the other end. The Betis goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to deny Oskarsson after the Sociedad forward had been played through, with the home defence initially expecting an offside flag that never came.

That proved to be Sociedad's final opportunity as Betis held on for three valuable points.