Real Betis keeps flying in La Liga with 1-0 win over Getafe. Crete, Salzburg win in Europa League
OFI's Aitor Cantalapiedra, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between OFI and Hoffenheim, in Heraklion, on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Thursday, Sept 17, 2026. Credit: AP/InTime Sports
Real Betis continued its flying start to the Spanish league season with a 1-0 victory over Getafe on Thursday.
Abde Ezzalzouli scored at the end of the first half after a video review confirmed he didn’t handle the ball in the build-up. He connected on a low shot from the center of the box following a cross from Troy Parrott.
Parrott came close with a long-distance attempt from the middle of the pitch. Getafe goalkeeper David Soria was busy throughout and tipped Antony’s low shot to the post.
Getafe's Mario Martin was sent off late in the game after receiving the second yellow card.
The victory lifted Betis level on points (15) with second-place Real Madrid. Barcelona is on top with 18 points.
Malaga plays Villarreal in La Liga later Thursday.
Europa League returns
Bundesliga club Hoffenheim had 59% possession but OFI Crete scored the goals to win 2-0 in the Europa League.
OFI's Aitor Cantalapiedra, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between OFI and Hoffenheim, in Heraklion, on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Thursday, Sept 17, 2026. Credit: AP/InTime Sports
Aitor Cantalapiedra completed a fast counter to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the first half and substitute Georgios Kanellopoulos headed home the second late.
In the other early game, Salzburg collected three points for a 1-0 win at Levski Sofia.
Later, Bournemouth kicks off its first European campaign at Real Sociedad.
Bournemouth enjoyed a record season to finish sixth in the Premier League and Marco Rose’s side hopes its opening European game in San Sebastian is a chance to put behind a slow and winless start to this campaign.
Hoffenheim's fans chant slogans during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between OFI and Hoffenheim, in Heraklion, on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Thursday, Sept 17, 2026. Credit: AP/InTime Sports
Real Sociedad returns to Europe after a one-year absence. It qualified for the competition by claiming the Spanish Cup for the fourth time.
Another English club, Crystal Palace, opens its European campaign against Polish champion Lech Poznań after winning the third-tier Conference League last season.
In other games, Italian giant Juventus faces Dutch side Nijmegen, Besiktas hosts Marseille and Celtic plays Ferencváros in Glasgow.
The opening round of matches is split into two days.
On Wednesday, Benfica upset AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro, Sunderland beat visiting AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in its first European match since 1973 and Lyon won 2-1 at Anderlecht.
Also, Manchester City faces second-division Norwich to complete the third round of the League Cup in England.
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