Real Betis Seek Fourth Straight LaLiga Win at Deportivo La Coruña

In A Coruña, where Deportivo’s long route through the lower divisions kept Real Betis away from Riazor for more than eight years, the Andalusians return on Sunday with momentum and a chance to extend an exceptional opening to the league season. The seventh-round meeting at Abanca-Riazor begins at 18:30, with Betis pursuing a fourth straight LaLiga victory while Deportivo look to recover their winning touch.

The news from the club

Manuel Pellegrini’s side arrive in Galicia on what has been described as the strongest start in Real Betis history. A win could move the Verdiblancos into second place before the extended international break, provided Real Madrid do not beat Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano, scheduled earlier in the day.

Pellegrini has only Noé Carrillo unavailable through injury. He said his broader ambition was to finish the campaign as strongly as possible, but stressed that Riazor presents a demanding immediate assignment.

“Every LaLiga match is difficult,” the Chilean said. “They are a good team, more creative than destructive. We must be alert when they have possession and recover the ball at high intensity. Aubameyang has been scoring a great many goals, so our defensive concentration has to be very high. With the ball, we need to hurt them and look for the three points from the start.”

Deportivo coach Antonio Hidalgo must work without Kiko Femenía, Abqar, Uche and Juanmi, all injured, while Zaid Romero is suspended.

Hidalgo expects his side to endure difficult spells against a Betis team whose fast transitions and width have marked their early-season form.

“We have to be ready to suffer,” he said. “To win, we will need a very serious and solid performance. It will be important to give away as little as possible, use the ball to make them defend, and watch their transitions closely. Betis switch on very quickly and have a great deal of energy out wide.”

Riazor’s Sunday calendar

Abanca-Riazor, with an approximate capacity of 32,900, is expected to be well attended for Betis’s first visit since Deportivo’s spells in Segunda División, Segunda B and Primera RFEF. Soto Grado will referee, with López Toca operating on VAR duties. The match will be shown live on DAZN.

Starting line-ups

Available substitutes