Lo Celso goal extends Betis’ unbeaten start

WEB DESK: Real Betis edged past Alaves 1-0 on Friday night, extending their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 La Liga season and signaling that Manuel Pellegrini’s side may again be one of the toughest mid-table disruptors.

After a frustrating 1-1 draw against newly promoted Elche last weekend, Betis needed a statement performance at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. While the victory wasn’t emphatic, it was decisive enough, secured by Giovani Lo Celso, who continues to look like the heartbeat of Pellegrini’s midfield. The Argentine latched onto a deflected header from Cucho Hernández in the six-yard box and showed composure to tuck the chance away, reminding Betis why his creativity and experience remain invaluable.

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The game itself was open and scrappy. Alaves carved out the best early opportunities, with Jon Guridi twice denied by Pau López, while Hernández himself headed just wide. At the other end, Betis nearly doubled their lead as Héctor Bellerín’s strike was pushed onto the post and Pablo García’s effort was saved. Cedric Bakambu’s audacious lob onto the bar in stoppage time was the closest the hosts came to sealing it.

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Ultimately, Betis had just enough quality in both boxes—Lo Celso’s decisive touch in attack and López’s resilience in goal, to grind out three points. It may not have been vintage Pellegrini football, but it was the type of pragmatic win that can build early momentum.

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Betis now head to Celta Vigo on August 27, while Alaves regroup ahead of hosting Atletico Madrid on August 30.