In a tight clash at the Benito Villamarín, Borja Iglesias delivered the decisive moment at 34 minutes as Betis edged Osasuna 1-0, sealing a clean sweep of three wins to start the season. The attacker from Betis also featured on the scoresheet in a match where Osasuna arrived after two victories and sought to keep the momentum, yet failed to convert a late chance following Germán Pezzella’s red card in the 73rd minute.
Betis controlled the tempo for long stretches but found it difficult to unlock the visitors’ defensive lines. Osasuna grew into the game as minutes passed, yet they did not manage to break through a compact home unit. The contest remained unsettled as Betis pressed on and Osasuna defended with discipline, fighting to turn possession into danger in front of goal.
The two sides had opened the sequence of wins in the competition, each believing they could climb to the top of the table on this Friday night. Osasuna entered the game after victories over Sevilla and Cádiz at their own ground, while Betis, led by Pellegrini, rearranged the lineup after a recent run of injuries and squad updates announced by the league in the hours prior to kick-off. The Spanish coach demonstrated resilience by reusing key players as the team aimed to extend their early-season form.
From the opening whistle, Jagoba Arrasate set up his midfield to stifle Betis and rely on a solid backbone to snuff out danger. The visiting side’s first meaningful push came after eight minutes when their lone striker up front tested the defense. Yet Betis remained the side pressing higher, forcing Pamplonese to defend deep and absorb pressure as the home side dictated the rhythm of the match. The half-hour mark arrived with Betis maintaining the initiative and keeping the ball in advanced areas, creating a sense of control without breaking through on the scoreboard.
After the break, Osasuna produced a sharp moment with a promising attack that could have swung the match in their favor. A shot ricocheted off Moi Gómez’s leg and looked certain to threaten Rui Silva, who managed to avert the danger. The home side immediately responded, and Borja Iglesias delivered again with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, beating Sergio Herrera and marking his fourth goal of the season. The finish in the 34th minute underscored Betis’ efficiency in front of goal and set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Facing the task of chasing the game, Osasuna attempted to lift their intensity, but Betis responded with controlled possession and swift counters. As the match progressed, Canales, making his league debut for Betis this season after an injury layoff, found himself on the field alongside other attacking options that provided a different dynamic. Arrasate added Ante Budimir and Kike García to inject more firepower, hoping to balance dynamics and create chances that would require a decisive moment from the defense or the forward line.
Argentina’s Pezzella, who had been active in defense, received a straight red card late in the game for a strong challenge, reducing Betis to ten men and elevating the stakes for a dramatic finish. The dismissal came in the 73rd minute and changed the balance of the contest, as Betis pressed to protect the lead while Osasuna pushed to equalize. Aimar received a yellow card earlier in the match, with further cautions following for Unai García and David García as the clock wound down. The encounter remained open but often remained at the edge of penalties, with Betis prioritizing organization and discipline to maintain the one-goal advantage.
The scoreboard reflected the narrow margin of victory, with Osasuna seeking a late response and Betis steering the match toward a controlled conclusion. The atmosphere at Villamarín was electric, as an attendance of more than 52 thousand spectators witnessed a contest that carried both teams’ ambitions and the pressure of early-season expectations.
Data sheet
Betis: Rui Silva; Aitor Ruibal, Pezzella, Égar, Alex Moreno; William Carvalho, Guido Rodríguez; Rodri, Canales, Fekir, Juanmi; Borja Iglesias.
Osasuna: Sergio Herrera; Nacho Vidal, Unai García, David García, Juan Cruz; Rubén Peña, Moncayola, Torró, Moi Gómez; Chimy Ávila, Aimar.
Goal: 1-0, M.34 Borja Iglesias.
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera (Valencian Committee). Pezzella was sent off in the 73rd minute with a red card for a direct on-ball infringement. Cautions: Aimar (m14), Unai García (m68), David García (m84).
Events: LaLiga Santander day three at Benito Villamarín, witnessed by 52,580 spectators.