The Albany Gazette - Isco's Betis rise back above Real Madrid to third

The Andalucian side moved a point above Real Madrid, fourth, and level with second place Atletico Madrid, trailing leaders Barca by five points.

Manuel Pellegrini's side claimed a sixth league win from eight matches with an exciting display of attacking football at La Cartuja stadium, where they are playing until their Benito Villamarin home is renovated, likely 2028.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Isco, 34, netted from the penalty spot after a foul on Rodrigo Riquelme, and Ez Abde doubled the hosts lead after half-an-hour with a cool finish.

Ante Budimir's own goal gave Betis their third after half-time, before the Croatian striker netted at the correct and Raul Garcia added another to give Osasuna a fighting chance.

Isco capitalised on a loose ball in the box to grab his second and Jose Morante bagged a fifth in stoppage time to close out Betis's big win.

Later Sunday Javier Aguirre takes charge of his first match at the helm of bottom-of-the-table Valencia as they visit Racing Santander.

Earlier on Real Sociedad defeated Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 in another entertaining battle.

The Basque side, sixth, eased into a three-goal lead Mario Soriano pulled one back for the visitors in San Sebastian to spark a Depor fight back.

They were given further encouragement when Real Sociedad's Pablo Marin was sent off in the 66th minute for a foul on Nsongo Bil in the box and Yeremay Hernandez netted from the penalty spot.

Both teams finished with 10 men after Lorenzo Amatucci brought down Mikel Oyarzabal as the last man, and Depor could not find an equaliser.

On Saturday Liga leaders Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0 to prolong their perfect start to the season, with eight wins from eight league games.

Hansi Flick's side are followed by second place Atletico Madrid, who snatched a late 2-1 win at Alaves, while Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid scraped a 1-0 victory over Villarreal despite Vinicius Junior's red card for hair-pulling.

(F.Jackson--TAG)