Real Betis showcased their strength this Wednesday by defeating Arsenal 3-1. During this clash with the feel of a European fixture played in Dublin, the Seville-based side passed the test with flying colors against a continental heavyweight — the reigning Premier League champions and Champions League finalists — although the Gunners lined up with a heavily rotated starting eleven.

For their sixth outing of the summer, a little over two weeks before their La Liga opening match, Manuel Pellegrini's men successfully negotiated their first real major test ahead of a campaign marked by their return to the continental stage.

While both squads are still in the process of physical and tactical fine-tuning and remain subject to change before the transfer window closes, this duel yielded encouraging certainties for the Heliopolis club.

Deprived of Argentina's Lo Celso, still on holiday after his Copa America triumph, Betis also had to cope with the gradual returns of Isco and Brazilian player Antony. As for Colombian newcomer Cucho Hernandez, lacking match fitness, he was not included in the matchday squad for the trip.

In the London ranks, Mikel Arteta had to juggle numerous absences. Missing from the call-up were European champions David Raya, Zubimendi, and Merino, alongside key players Odegaard, Saliba, Saka, Rice, Eze, and Madueke.

Despite an aggressive start from the Londoners, Betis displayed ruthless realism. From their first clear opportunity, Rodrigo Riquelme capitalized on a corner and a hesitant clearance by Kepa to break the deadlock.

Solidly organized, Manuel Pellegrini's proteges contained the opposition pressure before doubling their lead. Deployed at the spearhead of the attack for this pre-season, Colombian player Nelson Deossa made it 2-0 with a masterclass long-range strike.

Although an equalizer of sorts — a goal pulled back by Ecuadorian player Piero Hincapie just past the half-hour mark — briefly threatened to revive the contest, it proved to be a false dawn. Punishing English defensive frailties through a high press, Pablo Fornals sealed the scoreline with another clinical effort from outside the box.

After the interval, Arsenal made no fewer than seven changes in an attempt to turn the tide. On the Andalusian side, Pellegrini handed the entire second half to Isco. The playmaker, who already featured against Almeria last Saturday, continues to build up his match fitness following the serious injury he suffered last season.

Brazilian player Antony also got his first minutes of the summer by coming on in the 73rd minute. In a sluggish end to the match punctuated by substitutions, the Sevillians managed their lead without trembling against a lacklustre Gunners outfit.

R. Riquelme

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