The Benito Villamarín was electric on Friday night as Real Betis delivered one of their strongest performances of the 2025 LaLiga EA Sports season, beating Real Sociedad 3-1. With Manuel Pellegrini’s tactical adjustments and standout contributions from Cucho Hernández, Betis showed they are still a force to reckon with in Spanish football.
A Night of High Stakes at Benito Villamarín
Coming into the game, both Betis and Real Sociedad were sitting just outside the Champions League places, making the clash crucial for their European aspirations. Real Sociedad, known for their fluid passing and high-press, looked threatening early on, but Betis held their shape and bided their time.
The first half was balanced, and while Sociedad created more chances, it was Betis who struck first. A swift counter-attack in the 32nd minute ended with Cucho Hernández sliding in the opener, igniting the home crowd.
Pellegrini’s Second-Half Transformation
If the first half was tense and tactical, the second half was all Betis. Pellegrini’s halftime tweaks completely shifted the rhythm of the game. Instead of sitting back, Betis pressed higher and overloaded the flanks.
In his post-match comments, Pellegrini highlighted this switch: “En la segunda parte pasamos por encima” (“In the second half, we ran over them”). That mentality showed on the pitch. Betis scored twice more—one a powerful header from a set-piece and another sharp finish from their midfield engine.
Real Sociedad managed to pull one back, but by then, Betis were in full control, dictating tempo and suffocating Sociedad’s build-up play.
Cucho Hernández: The Game Changer
Much of the spotlight fell on Cucho Hernández, who continues to justify his summer signing. Quick, intelligent, and clinical in front of goal, he was a constant threat to Sociedad’s backline. Beyond his goal, he pressed aggressively, linked well with midfielders, and gave Betis a direct outlet whenever under pressure.
According to match data from Opta LaLiga (2025), Hernández registered:
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1 goal, 4 shots on target, 3 key passes
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8 successful duels won
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Highest distance covered by a Betis forward
This combination of stamina, creativity, and finishing is exactly what Pellegrini had been missing in tighter matches earlier this season.
What This Means for Betis and Sociedad
For Betis, this win doesn’t just provide three points; it sends a message. Currently moving closer to the top four, they showed they can outthink and outfight a technically strong side like Sociedad. The blend of veteran leadership and new signings such as Hernández could make them dark horses for a Champions League spot.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will need to reassess. Their reliance on midfield possession was exposed once Betis began pressing higher. Imanol Alguacil’s men remain competitive but must work on breaking down resilient, disciplined defenses. If not, they risk slipping in the standings as the season intensifies.
Final Takeaways
Real Betis’ 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad was more than a league game—it was a showcase of adaptability, bold attacking football, and the rise of a new star in Cucho Hernández. Pellegrini’s tactical bravery paid off, while Sociedad were left wondering how quickly momentum escaped their grasp.
As LaLiga enters a decisive stretch in autumn 2025, Betis look primed to fight for a European place, fueled by belief, balance, and a reinvigorated attacking line.
For fans, one thing is clear: this Betis side is not here to just participate—they are ready to compete, and with games like this, they are impossible to ignore.