Arsenal 1:3 Real Betis — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Pablo Fornals scored once and set up two more as Real Betis beat Arsenal 3-1 in a Club Friendly Game, a result that sets up a meeting with Bournemouth on 8 August. The Spanish midfielder dictated the tempo from the opening exchanges, though Arsenal enjoyed the lion's share of possession without ever turning it into meaningful reward.

Betis struck twice inside the first half-hour, Rodrigo Riquelme finishing Fornals' pass in the ninth minute before Nelson Deossa doubled the lead on 26, again supplied by Fornals. Piero Hincapié pulled one back for Arsenal on 32 from Christos Tzolis' assist, but Fornals restored the two-goal cushion just before the break, converting Deossa's delivery. Marli Salmon's 61st-minute booking was Arsenal's only notable response.

The numbers tell a stark tale: Arsenal held 56% possession but managed just nine shots to Betis' ten, with both sides earning two corners apiece. Betis were the sharper side in the first half, registering seven attempts to Arsenal's five, though the second period was evenly split at 50% each. Fornals was the standout with a rating of 8.4, his goal and creative influence from midfield proving decisive in a contest where the scoreline flattered neither side's overall control.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Arsenal vs Real Betis?

Arsenal 1-3 Real Betis (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

Rodrigo Riquelme (9', assist Pablo Fornals) for Real Betis; Nelson Deossa (26', assist Pablo Fornals) for Real Betis; Piero Hincapié (32', assist Christos Tzolis) for Arsenal; Pablo Fornals (43', assist Nelson Deossa) for Real Betis.

Were there any cards in Arsenal vs Real Betis?

Yellow cards: Marli Salmon (Arsenal).

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