Real Betis won 7-1 against Palma del Rio, Antony did not play.

Even without Antony, Real Betis still produced a goalfest. Manuel Pellegrini's team beat Atletico Palma del Rio 7-1 in their Copa del Rey opening match on the morning of October 31st at the Estadio Municipal Sergio Leon. Chimy Avila was the focal point with his wide range of activity and two assists, while Pablo Garcia and Rodrigo Riquelme each scored a brace, quickly turning the difference in class into an overwhelming victory.

Key moments: an early opening goal and a crucial second-half strike.

In the 8th minute, Riquelme broke the deadlock with a close-range left-footed shot after a sharp through ball from Angel Ortiz. From then on, Betis completely controlled the game. In the 27th minute, Sergi Altimira finished neatly after an assist from Avila; in the 34th minute, Pablo Garcia finished off a central attack, this time Altimira responded with a perfect assist.

As the second half picked up pace, in the 51st minute, Garcia completed his brace with a top-corner shot after Ortiz's second through ball. Manuel Rodriguez's goal in the 62nd minute, reducing the deficit to 1-4, was only a fleeting moment before Betis sealed the victory: in the 73rd minute, from a corner kick, Abde Ezzalzouli headed the ball back for Diego Llorente to tap in from close range; in the 86th minute, Riquelme was there to score the rebound to make it 6-1; and in the 90+2 minute, Ezzalzouli headed in a powerful header after Avila's cross, sealing a 7-1 win.

Tactical analysis: A 4-2-3-1 formation that imposes dominance, attacks directly, and utilizes second balls.

Betis lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and quickly imposed their tempo. The midfield duo, with Marc Roca controlling the tempo, helped the visitors control the midfield and proactively increase the pace when needed. The wingbacks, Pablo Garcia and Riquelme, constantly exploited the flanks, creating diverse attacking opportunities: one-touch runs, interceptions, and second-ball plays.

Avila operated across a wide area, acting as both a target man and stretching the home team's defense, creating space for his teammates to surge forward. Ortiz became the "link" along the axis with two through passes that unlocked the dense defensive block. Besides organized attacks, Betis made good use of set pieces: the corner kick that led to Llorente's goal demonstrated their ability to control space in the 5.5-meter area, while their late-game transitions exposed the lower-league team's lack of stamina.

Individual highlights: Avila leads the charge, Ortiz has a strong chance, Ezzalzouli makes a difference coming off the bench.

Avila made a direct contribution to two goals (assisting Altimira and Ezzalzouli) and indirectly through numerous one-two passes, helping Betis maintain a consistent attacking tempo. Ortiz not only scored with two assists but also with his perfectly timed passes, precisely when the Palma del Rio defense transitioned. Garcia and Riquelme completed precise runs and finishes, demonstrating their understanding with the back line. Coming on as a substitute for Cedric Bakambu, Ezzalzouli managed to score one goal and provide one assist, adding speed and depth to the right wing.

Key events by minute

• 8th minute: Rodrigo Riquelme opens the scoring 1-0 after a through pass from Angel Ortiz.
• 27th minute: Sergi Altimira makes it 2-0, assisted by Chimy Avila.
• 34th minute: Pablo Garcia scores to make it 3-0, assisted by Altimira.
• 51st minute: Pablo Garcia completes his brace, with Ortiz providing his second assist, making it 4-0.
• 62nd minute: Manuel Rodriguez reduces the deficit to 1-4 for the home team.
• 73rd minute: Diego Llorente taps in from close range after a corner kick, assisted by Abde Ezzalzouli's header, making it 5-1.
• 86th minute: Riquelme scores on rebound to make it 6-1.
• 90+2 minute: Ezzalzouli heads in the winning goal, making it 7-1, after a cross from Avila.

Selective statistics

• Score: Atletico Palma del Rio 1-7 Real Betis.
• Betis' formation: 4-2-3-1.
• Double: Pablo Garcia, Rodrigo Riquelme.
• Assist: Angel Ortiz 2; Chimy Avila 2; Sergi Altimira 1; Abde Ezzalzouli 1.
• Goal from a set piece: Diego Llorente scored after a corner kick.
• Notable substitution: Abde Ezzalzouli comes on for Cedric Bakambu.
• Antony: listed on the substitutes' bench, did not play.
• Location and time: Estadio Municipal Sergio Leon, early morning of October 31st.

Impact and significance

This was a dream opening for Betis in the Copa del Rey: a smooth operational structure, effective attacking wing play, and the ability to capitalize on set pieces and second balls transformed their superior skill into a 7-1 victory. More importantly, all the forwards scored, creating momentum for the upcoming matches, while reserves like Ezzalzouli showed the necessary depth.