Fri Sep 19 19:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Sociedad Desperate for First Win as They Travel to Real Betis

**Seville, Spain** – Real Sociedad’s winless start to the 2025-26 La Liga season continues as they face Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Friday evening. The Basque side, currently languishing in 17th place, have only managed two points from their opening four matches, piling pressure on manager Sergio Francisco.

Real Betis, sitting comfortably in 10th with six points from five games, present a tough challenge. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have had a mixed start, with a win, three draws, and a loss. They are hoping to build momentum ahead of their Europa League campaign, which begins next week against Nottingham Forest.

Last season, Betis dominated Real Sociedad at home with a 3-0 victory. However, their recent record against “La Real” is less convincing, with only one win in their last five league encounters.

Real Sociedad will be hoping to capitalize on Betis’s injury concerns. Isco is definitely out, while Nobel Mendy, Marc Bartra, Ricardo Rodriguez and Aitor Ruibal are major doubts. Betis are expected to field Giovani Lo Celso in the number 10 role, with Antony, recently returned from Manchester United, starting on the right wing.

Real Sociedad also have their own injury concerns, with Yangel Herrera unavailable and Orri Oskarsson, Luka Sucic and Brais Mendez facing late fitness tests. Despite their recent 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, where they showed glimpses of promise, Francisco is likely to keep the squad largely unchanged. Takefusa Kubo could return to the starting lineup on the right wing.

The spotlight will be on Real Sociedad’s captain, Mikel Oyarzabal, who has a strong scoring record against Betis and will be crucial to their chances of securing a much-needed victory.

**Predicted Lineups:**

* **Real Betis:** Valles; Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, Firpo; Fornals, Altimira; Antony, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Hernandez
* **Real Sociedad:** Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Goti, Gorrotxategi, Marin; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea

With a history of close matches between these two teams, including three draws in their last seven league meetings, a tight contest is anticipated. Real Sociedad, despite their current struggles, will be aiming to end their winless streak and secure a valuable point away from home.

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