Despite having registered none of their new signings yet, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis romped to an impressive 3-0 win over Elche on the opening matchday.
REAL BETIS
Rui Silva: 6.5
Aitor Ruibal: 7.5 – Forced the red card after he was brought down following a spectacular run past several Elche players. Lively up and down the right flank.
Germán Pezzella: 7
Edgar González: 6
Álex Moreno: 7 – Was at his typically industrious self down the left, linking regularly with Juanmi and Fekir.
Guido Rodríguez: 7
William Carvalho: 8 – Assisted Juanmi’s first and Betis’ second with a phenomenal long pass. Dominated the midfield as the game progressed.
Rodri Sánchez: 7
Nabil Fekir: 9 – His alertness and desire caught Roco unawares, leading to the first goal. Made something happen every time he was on the ball.
Juanmi: 9 – Evaded defensive challenges with some delicate touches to expertly set up both his goals.
Borja Iglesias: 7 – Scored the opener and was a constant thorn in the Elche backline with his persistent pressing.
SUBSTITUTES:
Rober: 6
Loren Morón: 6
Fran Delgado: 6.5
Paul Akouokou: 6
Juan Miranda: 6
ELCHE
Édgar Badía: 7 – Prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline with some good saves.
Helibelton Palacios: 4.5 – Left with the Herculean task of dealing with Juanmi, Fekir and Moreno’s combination on his side after the sending off, and unsurprisingly endured a difficult night.
John Donald: 2 – Sent off after just 16 minutes when he brought down Aitor Ruibal, leaving Elche limping with ten men for most of the game.
Enzo Roco: 3 – Was caught napping by Nabil Fekir for the first goal and was hauled off at half-time.
Pedro Bigas: 5
Johan Mojica: 6 – Lively on the left flank, and perhaps the only Elche player who added anything of substance in attack.
Omar Mascarell: 4.5
Gerard Gumbau: 5
Pere Milla: 5 – His glancing header was cleared off the goalline by Pezzella.
Fidel: 5.5
Roger Martí: 4.5 – Uninfluential in his 65 minutes on the pitch.
SUBSTITUTES:
Diego González: 4.5
Tete Morente: 5
Ezequiel Ponce: 5
Josan: 5
Alejandro Alfaro: 5
GSFN
