Analysis The numbers behind the result
Betis edge tight contest despite Sociedad's higher xG
Real Betis' 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad was a narrow but deserved result, despite the visitors creating the better chances. Sociedad edged the expected goals battle (1.40 xG to 1.06) and enjoyed 52% possession, but Betis were more clinical with their opportunities, landing seven shots on target compared to Sociedad's three. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Rodrigo Riquelme converted Cucho Hernández's assist, against the run of play statistically.
Sociedad's discipline proved costly, collecting three first-half yellow cards that disrupted their rhythm, while Betis' more compact defensive shape limited the visitors to just three shots on target from nine total attempts. Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés made three crucial saves (matching Sociedad's goalkeeping performance in shot-stopping), ensuring his side maintained their clean sheet despite Sociedad's higher expected goals.
The key stat explaining this result is Sociedad's inability to translate their superior xG into goals, with Betis' clinical finishing (1 goal from 1.06 xG) proving the difference in a tightly contested match.