SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Carlos Vela’s second-half goal gave Real Sociedad a 1-0 victory over an overmatched Real Betis in the Spanish league on Friday.
Both sides stayed in the middle of the standings. They face difficult matches after the international break when Betis hosts Real Madrid and Sociedad visits Basque Country rival Athletic Bilbao.
Vela slid and used his left boot to tap in a cross sent to the far post by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 63rd minute at Anoeta Stadium.
It was Vela’s second goal in as many home matches for Sociedad.
Attacking repeatedly down the flanks, Sociedad dominated throughout.
"We wanted to show that we are strong at home, and the three points are staying here," said Sociedad left back Hector Hernandez, who caused Betis serious problems with his incursions.
Betis spent most of the game chasing the ball.
Oyarzabal went close to adding a late goal to his assist when goalkeeper Antonio Adan blocked his try in the final minute.
"We didn’t play well," Adan said. "We tried to keep the ball in the first half. Seeing we couldn’t, we then tried to be more direct, but it was more with our hearts than our head."
The league leaders play on Sunday. Madrid hosts Eibar, second-place Barcelona visits Celta Vigo, and third-place Atletico Madrid visits Valencia.
