Madrid, 12 October (H.S.): Valencia and Racing Santander played out a 2-2 draw in the eighth round of Spain’s La Liga, while Real Betis secured an emphatic 5-2 victory over Osasuna, powered by a brace from Isco, to climb to third place in the standings. In another encounter, Real Sociedad defeated Deportivo La Coruña 3-2 despite playing with 10 men. Sunday’s programme began with a goalless draw between Elche and Celta Vigo.

Valencia Rescue a Point Against Racing Santander

Valencia made a flying start against Racing Santander, taking the lead just over a minute after kick-off through Dani Raba. However, Racing hit back in the 32nd minute when Yáser Zabiri found the net, converting a pass from Íñigo Vicente to restore parity.

Two minutes into the second half, Iván Martín scored to put the hosts ahead 2-1. Valencia’s young substitute, David Otorbi, then struck in the 65th minute to bring his side level at 2-2. Neither team managed to find another goal, and the match ended in a stalemate.

Isco’s Brace Inspires Betis to Emphatic Victory

Real Betis produced an impressive performance at home to defeat Osasuna 5-2. Isco opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before Abde Ezzalzouli doubled Betis’ advantage in the 31st minute, finishing off a pass from Cucho Hernández.

Three minutes into the second half, an attempted clearance by Ante Budimir resulted in the ball deflecting off Diego Llorente and into the net, extending Betis’ lead to 3-0.

Osasuna, however, refused to give up. Budimir and former Betis player Raúl García scored in quick succession, raising hopes of a comeback and reducing the deficit.

Isco then scored his second goal of the match to restore Betis’ two-goal cushion. In stoppage time, debutant José Antonio Morante added a fifth to seal an emphatic victory for the hosts.

The win lifted Betis to third place in the standings, five points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Ten-Man Real Sociedad Hold Off Deportivo

Real Sociedad claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruña despite being reduced to 10 men.

Jon Martín opened the scoring with a header from a Carlos Soler corner, putting Sociedad ahead. Arsen Zakharyan doubled the advantage in the 34th minute before Gonçalo Guedes produced an impressive solo run from the halfway line and finished with his left foot to make it 3-0.

Deportivo refused to surrender. Mario Soriano pulled one back in the 61st minute, giving the visitors renewed hope.

Four minutes later, Sociedad midfielder Pablo Marín was shown a red card for denying Bill N’Songo a clear goalscoring opportunity. Deportivo were awarded a penalty following the incident, and Yeremay Hernández converted it to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Deportivo pressed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Sociedad held firm to preserve their lead and secure all three points.

In the day’s other fixture, Elche and Celta Vigo were unable to break the deadlock, settling for a 0-0 draw.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar