Isco Shines as Real Betis Surges Past Real Madrid into Third Place

SEVILLE: Veteran playmaker Isco scored twice to propel Real Betis to a commanding 5-2 victory over Osasuna on Sunday, securing their position in third place in La Liga.

The win at La Cartuja Stadium elevates Betis above Real Madrid by a single point and places them level with second-place Atletico Madrid, while they trail league leaders Barcelona by five points. This marks Betis’s sixth win in eight league matches, showcasing an impressive display of attacking football under the guidance of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Isco, a former Real Madrid star, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Rodrigo Riquelme was fouled, followed by Ez Abde doubling the lead with a composed finish. An own goal from Ante Budimir added to Betis’s tally, but Osasuna fought back with goals from Budimir and Raul Garcia, momentarily threatening Betis’s dominance. Isco sealed the match with his second goal, capitalizing on a loose ball, before Jose Morante added a fifth in stoppage time.

Pellegrini remarked, “Football is never truly under control,” reflecting on the moments his team nearly let their lead slip. As Betis continues to perform well, they will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming fixtures while awaiting the completion of renovations at their Benito Villamarin home, expected by 2028.