Real Betis continued their excellent start to the La Liga season with a 1–0 win over Getafe, as Ez Abde’s first-half goal lifted Manuel Pellegrini’s side level on 15 points with Real Madrid and into third place. The result was Betis’ fourth straight win in all competitions and their fifth 1–0 victory of the campaign.

Abde scored in first-half stoppage time after Troy Parrott drove forward on the counterattack and delivered a low cutback into the penalty area. The Morocco international finished first time into the bottom corner, and although VAR reviewed a possible handball in the build-up, the goal was confirmed.

The match was played at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, Betis’ temporary home, rather than at the Benito Villamarín. The hosts created the better chances throughout, with Parrott going close from inside the Getafe half and Antony twice threatening David Soria’s goal. Soria produced a particularly strong save to tip Antony’s half-volley onto the post.

Getafe struggled to establish sustained pressure after the break, while Betis continued to look more likely to score again. Isco and Rodrigo Riquelme both had opportunities, but Soria kept the visitors in the contest with six saves.

Any remaining Getafe hope was diminished in the 87th minute when Mario Martín received a second yellow card for a two-footed challenge. Betis saw out the final minutes without conceding, preserving another narrow but controlled victory.

The result puts Betis level with second-placed Real Madrid on 15 points, three behind leaders Barcelona on 18. Their record is especially notable for defensive discipline: despite scoring only eight league goals, four of their five La Liga wins have been 1–0.

Elsewhere, Villarreal beat Málaga 3–1 at La Rosaleda. The visitors recovered from an early deficit, with Pape Gueye scoring twice in a deserved win that ended Villarreal’s wait for a league victory.