Rabat – Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli was on target as Real Betis defeated Osasuna 5-2 at La Cartuja on Sunday in Matchday 8 of La Liga.
Ezzalzouli started for Manuel Pellegrini’s side and scored Betis’ second goal in the 31st minute, helping the hosts take control of the contest before halftime.
Isco had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before Betis recovered possession high up the pitch and launched a quick attack that ended with Ezzalzouli finding the net.
The goal continued the Moroccan winger’s productive start to the domestic campaign, taking his league tally to three goals this season.
Betis survive Osasuna comeback
Betis went into the break with a 2-0 advantage and extended their lead three minutes after the restart. Match data credited the third goal as an Ante Budimir own goal, although reports also pointed to Diego Llorente’s decisive involvement in the move.
Osasuna quickly responded.
Budimir scored at the other end in the 51st minute before Raúl García struck five minutes later, cutting Betis’ advantage to 3-2 and briefly bringing the visitors back into the match.
Isco then restored breathing room in the 67th minute, collecting a loose ball inside the area and finishing for his second goal of the afternoon.
José Antonio Morante completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, only minutes after coming off the bench, sealing a convincing 5-2 victory.
Ezzalzouli remained on the pitch until stoppage time before making way for Morante. The 24-year-old’s latest goal adds to a strong period for the Moroccan, who also scored for the Atlas Lions in their recent 1-1 friendly draw with Mali.
The victory lifts Real Betis to 19 points from eight matches, moving them into third place in La Liga, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one point above Real Madrid.
Betis will now turn their attention to their next fixtures with Ezzalzouli continuing to establish himself as an important part of Pellegrini’s attack.
