Isco had waited until the eighth round to open his league account, then chose a thunderous Sunday night in Seville to make up for the silence. The 34-year-old playmaker scored twice as Real Betis swept aside Osasuna 5-2 at La Cartuja, lifting Manuel Pellegrini’s side back into La Liga’s top three.
The move
Betis were convincing winners against an Osasuna team whose defensive errors repeatedly gifted opportunities to the home side. Isco converted a penalty in the 10th minute for his first goal of the campaign, before adding a second in the 67th.
In front of 65,000 supporters, the former Spain international once again provided the focal point for a Betis side enjoying an exceptional opening to the season. The result came after eight league fixtures and returned the Andalusians to the podium, ahead of Real Madrid.
Betis build momentum at home
Pellegrini’s players have now won seven consecutive matches on home ground. Their latest victory arrived a day after Real Madrid had beaten Villarreal, but Betis reclaimed third place with their emphatic response against Osasuna.
Their next test will be considerably tougher. Barcelona visit La Cartuja in the ninth round of La Liga on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30.
The French season around it
No Ligue 1 player, club or French domestic competition was involved in the match. The immediate significance lies in Spain, where Isco’s first goals of the season have helped place Betis among the early challengers near the summit.
