At Estadio de la Cartuja, on Friday, September 19, the opening game of Matchday 4 will feature Real Betis vs Real Sociedad, two teams looking for crucial points to improve their positions in the LaLiga standings. The home side currently sits in 10th place with 6 points, while the visitors are down in 17th with just 2 points. Manuel Pellegrini’s team is coming off a solid season, qualifying for the next Europa League and reaching the UEFA Conference League final, which they lost to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. Ahead of their Europa League debut against Nottingham Forest next Wednesday, Betis aims to finally get back to winning ways after three consecutive games without a victory, closing the gap with the top positions. Real Sociedad’s situation is far more concerning, still searching for their first win of the season. After missing out on European qualification last year, the Basque side desperately needs a victory to climb back up the table. A string of positive results could revive their chances of fighting for mid-to-high spots. Sergio Francisco’s men know they cannot afford more slip-ups, starting with this tough trip to Andalusia.

Real Betis' recent form and key stats

Real Betis have not had a particularly bright start to the 2025/26 LaLiga season: 6 points in their first 5 games, with one win, three draws, and one defeat. In their most recent match, the Verdiblancos drew 2-2 away against Levante, coming back from two goals down thanks to strikes from Cucho Hernandez and Fornals. That result marked their third consecutive league game without a win.

Under the guidance of the experienced Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have averaged 1.2 goals scored and conceded per game, showing consistency in attack but some weaknesses in defense. The absence of injured playmaker Isco has been felt heavily, as well as that of veteran defender Ricardo Rodriguez.

Real Sociedad's recent form and key stats

Unlike Betis, Real Sociedad have only played 4 league matches, collecting just 2 points from two draws and two defeats. Last weekend, after the international break, they lost 2-1 at home to Real Madrid despite playing with a man advantage for over an hour.

On a run of two consecutive defeats, Francisco’s side has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game. In attack, Oyarzabal and his teammates have managed to score an average of one goal per match, but the lack of a true striker and the absence of a quality midfielder like Zubimendi — sold last summer to Arsenal — are clearly weighing heavily.

Prediction Real Betis vs Real Sociedad and tactical overview

This clash between Real Betis and Real Sociedad already looks like a crucial battle for two teams usually fighting for European qualification spots. The loser risks falling even further behind in the race for the top places, which means fans can expect a competitive and hard-fought game.

Betis will try to take advantage of their home crowd, already decisive when they beat Alaves 1-0 in their second LaLiga match. They can also count on the motivation of Antony, who, after rejecting Bayern Munich’s approach, will make his home debut since returning to the club.

The last time these two teams met, on February 16, Betis won comfortably 3-0. One of the standout performers was the Brazilian former Manchester United winger, who contributed with both a goal and an assist.

Real Sociedad, given their struggles in the opening weeks, look like a work in progress and risk suffering their third consecutive defeat in LaLiga. Their task will be even harder if striker Oskarsson and midfielder Herrera — signed from Girona to replace Zubimendi — are unavailable due to injury.

• Prediction Real Betis vs Real Sociedad by BetMines: Real Betis win (1) – 46% probability
  
  
• Prediction Real Betis vs Real Sociedad by BetMines: Draw (X) – 26% probability
  
  
• Prediction Real Betis vs Real Sociedad by BetMines: Real Sociedad win (2) – 28% probability

Probable lineups Real Betis vs Real Sociedad

REAL BETIS (4-2-3-1): Valles; Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, Junior; Altimira, Deossa; Antony, Fornals, Riquelme; Hernandez. Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

REAL SOCIEDAD (4-4-2): Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Guedes, Marin, Gorrotxategi, Goti; Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea. Coach: Sergio Francisco