Real Sociedad and Real Betis clashed at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on Sunday with both teams searching for European football.
Despite dominating the possession, Sociedad entered the break behind courtesy of a strike from Jorge Molina.
Dorlan Pabon made it 2-0 to Betis early in the second period, but Carlos Vela had one back for the home side moments later.
It was 2-2 after 56 minutes when Inigo Martinez headed home from close range, before a Xabi Prieto penalty sent the home side ahead moments later.
Betis found an equaliser of their own after 66 minutes when Pabon advanced into the box before sliding his effort into the back of the net.
Both sides pushed for the winner in the latter stages, but neither could break the breakthrough as the points were shared in the six-goal thriller.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the weekend comes from Donostia-San Sebastian as Real Sociedad welcome Real Betis. Both sides have European football on their mind as the season enters its final run, but Sociedad certainly enter this match in the better form having won three of their last five in the league.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five with the other ending in a draw. Three points for Betis this evening would move them above Sociedad, while they will enter the match full of confidence, having won six of their 12 matches on the road, the same number as Real Madrid.
Sociedad have been strong on their own patch this season, however, with seven wins from their 13 matches, suffering just two defeats. They are also one of the form sides in the division having taken 14 points from their last six matches. A position in the top four is not entirely out of the question, which would be a quite stunning achievement.
TEAMS:
SOCIEDAD: Bravo; Mikel, De La Bella, I Martinez, C Martinez; Prieto, Zurutuza, Bergara, Agirretxe; Vela, Griezmann
BETIS: Adrian; Nacho, Lopez, Mario, Amaya; Benat, Canas, Carlos, Molina; Campbell, Pabon
Here we go then. Just a quick note on the main team news. Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann continue in attack for the home side, with Agirretxe also starting. Betis, meanwhile, name Joel Campbell and Pabon in attack, meaning that Ruben Castro starts on the bench. The away side get the action underway.
It has been a while since either of these two teams have played in Europe, but both currently occupy spots in the Europa League positions. In many ways, this is just about the most fascinating fixture of the weekend. Betis force an early corner through Mario, but Vela's set piece is headed clear by Mikel.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is certainly a good atmosphere. Betis have started the better with the likes of Benat, Canas and Molina enjoying touches of the ball, but neither side has created an attacking opportunity thus far. Let's just hope that it is not another 0-0 following back-to-back goalless draws in La Liga this afternoon.
Half-chance for the home side as Griezmann drives a low cross into the penalty area, but Mario is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but Mario is on hand to clear. Extremely high tempo to the opening six minutes of this match. Another half-chance comes moments later as Agirretxe strikes an effort from close range, but Adrian makes the save.
Sociedad have just started to take control of the possession in the last couple of minutes with Xabi Prieto and Zurutuza enjoying touches of the ball. The latter looks for the pass towards Vela, but Adrian is out to collect at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive this evening.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Agirretxe collects possession outside the box before striking from close range, but Mario is on hand to make the block. Betis attempt to create a chance on the break, but Campbell's pass towards Pabon is just too powerful for the speedy forward.
It's good work from Pabon as the Betis striker advances to the edge of the box before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it was always travelling over the crossbar. A scramble in the Betis box allows Sociedad the chance to have two efforts on goal, but Zurutuza is twice denied by Adrian. Wonderful from the Betis goalkeeper.
Another half-chance comes down the other end as Campbell finds Pabon behind the Sociedad defence, but he can only slice his effort wide of the post. You cannot say that there has not been chances in the opening 14 minutes of this match. However, La Liga has now gone more than 200 minutes without a goal!
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of handing away possession in midfield. Meanwhile, a host of fouls has just slowed the tempo further. There is so much attacking talent on display that I would be astounded if this match ended 0-0. I may have just cursed it.
CHANCE! Best chance of the match by some distance as Vela drives into the penalty area before striking towards goal, but once more Adrian makes the save. The Betis goalkeeper has kept his side in the match in the early stages. Wonderful goalkeeping once more.
Not too much for Betis to get excited about at the moment with each attack coming to an end with a poor final pass. Sociedad continue to look the most likely as Vela combines with Griezmann before striking towards goal, but his effort moved wide of the post.
A poor pass from De La Bella almost puts Sociedad in trouble as Pabon robs possession, but his final pass towards Campbell is just too short. Vela is involved down the other end moments later, but his cross moves out of play for a goal kick. Still no goals with 22 minutes on the clock.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as both sides commit players to each attack, but neither can find the elusive final pass. The home side do have the ball in the back of the net moments later as Griezmann strikes a wonderful effort into the top corner, but the 'goal' is chalked off by the linesman. It was very tight.
Betis advance down the other end with Pabon, but his low cross into the penalty area is collected by Bravo. Just a few signs that the first goal could be on its way. Thank the lord! Sociedad have certainly been the better side in the opening 26 minutes.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and still neither side can find the breakthrough. Betis force two corners in quick succession, but De La Bella heads the first clear before Bravo comes to claim the second. Amaya has a long-range strike moments later, but his effort is blocked by Mikel.
POST! The home side come within an inch of taking the lead as Vela meets a corner, but his header thumps against the post. What a chance to open the scoring. Will they be made to regret it?
GOAL! Sociedad 0-1 Betis (Molina)
They are indeed made to pay! It's wonderful from Campbell as the striker finds the run of Molina, the Spaniard takes one touch before slotting his effort into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.
That was Betis' first attempt on target. Sociedad attempt to level down the other end, but once more the linesman raises his flag when replays seem to suggest that Vela was indeed onside. The linesman is having an absolute horror in this match. All-action with 32 minutes on the clock.
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Half-chance for the home side as Vela drives to the edge of the box before finding Prieto, but Juan Carlos is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment, winning a free kick in the process. It has not been pretty, but Betis are on course for a fin result here.
In fairness to the home supporters they are continuing to back their team despite Betis taking the lead. All the football is coming from the home side with Vela and Griezmann both causing problems, but Betis are such a threat on the counter with the pace and movement of Campbell and Pabon.
Again it's good work from Juan Carlos as the Betis winger evades two challenges before driving to the edge of the box, but Carlos Martinez is across to fell the Spaniard. Benat takes the resulting free kick, but he can only fire his effort straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Campbell is the latest player to have his name taken for a challenge on De La Bella. The resulting free kick is swung towards Agirretxe, but the Spaniard just cannot make contact. Little over five minutes of the first period to play and Betis lead courtesy of that cool finish from Molina.
Half-chance for Betis to add their second as Molina drives into the heart of the Sociedad penalty area, but Mikel comes across to clear at the vital moment. The home side just cannot keep hold of the possession at the moment, with Vela and Griezmann playing too far apart. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of the first period, with Betis comfortable in defending the edge of their own penalty area. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Sociedad 0-1 Betis
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Betis leading courtesy of a cool finish from Molina. Sociedad have just about shaded the opening 45 minutes, but Betis' pace on the counter once more proved to be the difference.
STATISTICS: Sociedad have dominated the possession with 57%, but they have had just four attempts to Betis' five. There was some controversy in the first period, however, when Griezmann had a 'goal' disallowed for offside despite the Frenchman standing level with the final defender.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Diego Ifran, Javi Ros and Jose Angel. Meanwhile, Betis have the likes of Nino and Ruben Castro in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list.
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As it stands, Betis would move above Real Sociedad into fifth position in the table, just one point outside of the top four. However, you get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. The second period will get underway shortly.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising based on the events in the first period. Sociedad are more than in this match. The home side get the half underway.
You just get the feeling that Sociedad need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match. If Betis score again, then they could go on to win three or four due to their threat on the counter. There is a reason why they are one of the best away sides in the division. It is certainly not a coincidence.
Sociedad force the first corner of the half as Vela is challenged by Nacho. But the set piece from the Mexican is headed clear by Mario. The pressure remains as Mikel fires a low cross into the box, but it takes a deflection off a blue and white shirt before moving behind for a goal kick.
GOAL! Sociedad 0-2 Betis (Pabon)
It's horror defending from the home side as Pabon is allowed to ghost into the penalty area before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home from close range. What a crucial goal in this match. What on earth is Mikel doing there?!
Sociedad have had a wonderful season to date, but they are coming unstuck this evening. Betis have had two shots on goal and scored twice. How's that for taking your chances? Sociedad simply have to respond in the next couple of minutes.
GOAL! Sociedad 1-2 Betis (Vela)
They do indeed respond! Wonderful from Vela as the Mexican latches onto a loose ball in the penalty area before thumping his effort into the back of the net. Game on!
End-to-end football at the moment as both sides commit numbers to each attack. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening. We had to wait a couple of matches for La Liga to produce, but this fixture has now taken off.
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Half-chance for Pabon as the striker collects possession outside the box before drilling towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Vela comes close down the other end moments later, but he slices wide from close range. Wonderful entertainment here.
GOAL! Sociedad 2-2 Betis (Inigo Martinez)
Sociedad level! What is happening here! Stunning from the defender as he ghosts into the penalty area before thumping his header into the back of the net. Sensational response from the home side. Game on with 30 minutes of football remaining.
Sociedad are not prepared to stop at 2-2 as Vela dances past three players before releasing a pass towards Griezmann, but Adrian is out to collect at the vital moment. The match is just so stretched as Campbell attacks down the other end, but Bravo calms his defence by coming to claim the danger.
PENALTY TO SOCIEDAD!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Angel Lopez is adjudged to have handled in the penalty area. Slightly harsh, but he made the referee make a decision. Prieto to take.
GOAL! Sociedad 3-2 Betis (Prieto)
Stunning penalty from Prieto as the midfielder steps up before clipping his effort down the middle. Well, just about 12 minutes ago they were 2-0 behind. That is not the case anymore!
Meanwhile, Betis make a change as Juan Carlos is replaced by Ruben Castro. Good grief both teams have attacking sides on the pitch. We have seen five goals and I suspect that there will be more in the final stages. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining on this stunning evening of football.
GOAL! Sociedad 3-3 Betis (Pabon)
It is raining goals this evening! Wonderful football from the away side as Canas finds Pabon in the penalty area, the striker takes one touch before firing his effort into the bottom corner. Good grief what a second period.
It is just non-stop action at the moment with both teams committing numbers to each attack. No signs that either side are prepared to sit back and attempt to gain a point. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the score sits at 3-3. Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Vela fires a delicious cross into the penalty area, but Griezmann can only head straight at the goalkeeper from close range. What an opportunity to regain the lead. Meanwhile, Betis make a change as Campbell is replaced by Nono.
The home side make a change of their own as Ruben Pardo is replaced by Zurutuza. The tempo has just settled in the last couple of minutes, but you just get the feeling that there is going to be another goal in the latter stages. It would be so tough to take if either side left with nothing.
Neither side are prepared to settle for a point here as Betis force two corners in quick succession, but the first is parried behind by Bravo before Mario heads the second over the crossbar. Both manages are currently on the touchline waving their arms about. I don't blame them!
CHANCE! Griezmann comes within an inch of his side's fourth as he fires a low cross into the box, the clearance is made by Mario, but he can only turn onto his own post. Sociedad want another penalty as Vela is felled in the box, but the referee is not interested.
You attack, we attack. You attack, we attack. Sensational evening of football here as Pabon strikes another effort from distance, but Bravo was more then equal to the danger. Sociedad make another change as Ifran replaces Prieto. Good grief we have a vast amount of attacking players on the pitch at the moment. Surely we will have a winner?
Little over five minutes of football to play and still the score remains 3-3. Before the match, Betis would have taken a point, during the match, Sociedad would have bitten your hand off for a draw. If we don't see a winner, it would not be the worst result for either of these two sides.
Half-chance for the home side as De La Bella strikes an effort from distance, but Adrian is across to make the save. Betis immediately advance down the other end, but Pabon cannot find Castro. Meanwhile, Betis make their third and final change of the match as Chica replaces Benat.
It's the away side's turn to attack as Castro combines with Pabon before dancing into the box, but his effort is blocked by Mikel. Canas is first onto the rebound, but his strike is wide of the post. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining. Is there going to be a late sting in the tail?
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The end-to-end period of the match continues as Pabon fires a low cross into the Sociedad box, but there are no takers. Vela is again involved down the other end, but his low strike is deflected wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
Both teams continue to commit players to each attack, but it just appears that this match is heading for a draw. A sensational draw at that. Little over one minute of normal time remaining and Sociedad have possession in their own half. It is now or never.
FULL-TIME: Real Sociedad 3-3 Real Betis
A stunning 90 minutes of football is brought to an end as Sociedad and Betis share the points in a 3-3 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
