Overview
Real Betis closed the preparation process for the new season with a 0-1 defeat to Inter Milan in a friendly match on August 15. Previously, Manuel Pellegrini's team won 3 victories against Lyon, Almeria and Arsenal.
Last season, Real Betis finished fifth in La Liga, 6 points ahead of Celta Vigo and won a Europa League spot this season. They are aiming for a higher position, although summer transfer activities are not too active with 3 new signings Facundo Bernal, Fran Garcia and Diego Conde.
Sergi Altimira is the most notable name leaving the club. Real Betis can still continue to adjust the squad before the transfer window closes.
In history, Real Betis has won 42 out of 120 encounters with Real Sociedad. In the most recent match at the end of last season, the two teams drew 2-2. Real Sociedad only won 1 point in the last 3 encounters with Betis and the last time they defeated the opponent was a 2-0 victory in December 2024.
Real Sociedad had an unsatisfactory 2025-2026 season when they only finished 10th in La Liga. However, the Basque team still won a ticket to the Europa League thanks to the Copa del Rey championship.
Pellegrino Matarazzo's team has not added any new players this summer, but it is expected that there will be more changes before the transfer market closes.
Real Sociedad's friendly form is also not good when losing 4 out of 7 matches, including 3 recent consecutive defeats. The 1-3 defeat to Chelsea is their last warm-up before the new season.
Real Sociedad will host Real Betis with the goal of winning 3 points in the opening match of La Liga, before facing Real Madrid on August 26.
Personnel situation
Real Betis will not have goalkeeper Diego Conde and Aitor Ruibal due to injury. Gonzalo Petit and Giovani Lo Celso are also not in the best physical condition.
Antony and Pablo Fornals are likely to continue to play in attack, while Rodrigo Riquelme may be placed on the left wing. Two new signings Fran Garcia and Facundo Bernal are likely to debut for the new team.
On Real Sociedad's side, Alvaro Odriozola continues to be absent due to a long-term injury. Goncalo Guedes is also not sure to be fit enough to participate in Seville.
Mikel Oyarzabal played against Chelsea after returning from the World Cup, but lack of preparation time may make him only appear on the bench. Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea are noteworthy choices for the away team's attack.
Expected lineup:
Real Betis: Valles, Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Garcia, Bernal, Roca, Antony, Fornals, Riquelme, Hernandez.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martin, Gomez, Herrera, Sucic, Kubo, Soler, Barrenetxea, Oskarsson.
The match between Real Betis and Real Sociedad takes place at 2:00 a.m. on August 22 (Vietnam time).
