Betis and Real Sociedad renew rivalry with last season’s cores intact | OneFootball

Real Sociedad open with a familiar duel at Betis, rivals on the pitch and in the market. Betis have home advantage, a venue where La Real have struggled.

According to Diario Vasco, both clubs have largely kept last season’s core. Betis come in as Champions League qualifiers, Real as Copa del Rey winners with a Europa League place, and both still seek late-window depth.

Betis have added Facundo Bernal for 9.5 million euros from Fluminense, Fran García for 4 million to acquire 50% from Real Madrid, and goalkeeper Diego Conde from Villarreal. Bernal and Fran García could start.

Finances are tight after heavy losses without Europe, so Sergi Altimira was sold to Sporting de Portugal and salaries must be trimmed. They want another pivot after missing Sofyan Amrabat due to Fenerbahce’s demands, and a centre forward.

Despite options out wide, there is no specialist striker after Chimy Ávila and Bukambu departed. Nelson Deossa has been used as a nine and it has worked.

A delegation visited Germany to discuss Borussia Dortmund’s Fabio Silva, also liked by Real, but a fee above 20 million euros is off-putting. AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrot is being explored.

Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde and Giovani Lo Celso are out. Abde Ezzalzouli trained with the group as he recovers from a knee sprain. Héctor Bellerín is doubtful.

As of 18 August, Real have made no signings, with Sanse duo Luken Beitia and Álex Marchal the possible additions in Seville. La Real lost 3-0 in 24/25 and 3-1 in 25/26 at this ground.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”