Real Betis climbed back above Real Madrid into third place in La Liga after securing an impressive 5-2 victory over Osasuna on Sunday, with veteran midfielder Isco scoring twice.

The win moved Manuel Pellegrini’s side one point ahead of fourth-placed Real Madrid and level on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid. League leaders Barcelona remain five points clear at the top.

Betis recorded their sixth victory in eight league matches with an attacking performance at La Cartuja Stadium, their temporary home while renovations continue at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, which is expected to reopen in 2028.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Isco opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Rodrigo Riquelme was fouled. Ez Abde then doubled the hosts’ advantage with a composed finish shortly after the half-hour mark.

Osasuna’s Ante Budimir scored an own goal after the break to extend Betis’ lead to three goals. However, the Croatian striker later found the net at the right end, while Raul Garcia added another goal to revive the visitors’ hopes.

Isco restored Betis’ advantage by reacting quickly to a loose ball inside the penalty area, completing his brace. Jose Morante then scored in stoppage time to seal a convincing victory.

Despite the comfortable final score, Pellegrini admitted that his team had allowed Osasuna back into the contest.

“Football is never truly under control,” Pellegrini said, warning that slowing the tempo could allow opponents to recover.

The former Manchester City manager also praised Isco’s performance, highlighting the midfielder’s exceptional ability and maturity.

“He has spectacular quality and a maturity as a player that allows him to perform at whatever level he wants to,” Pellegrini said.

Elsewhere, Valencia earned a 2-2 draw away against Racing Santander in their first match under new coach Javier Aguirre. Valencia remain 19th in the standings.

Real Sociedad also secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in an entertaining encounter. The Basque club established a three-goal lead before Mario Soriano pulled one back for Deportivo in San Sebastian.

Deportivo’s comeback gathered momentum when Real Sociedad defender Pablo Marin was sent off in the 66th minute for a foul on Nsongo Bil inside the penalty area. Yeremay Hernandez converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit further.

Both teams eventually finished with 10 players after Lorenzo Amatucci was dismissed for bringing down Mikel Oyarzabal as the last defender. Deportivo, however, failed to find a late equaliser.

On Saturday, Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the league campaign with a 3-0 win over Getafe, extending their record to eight victories in eight matches.

Atletico Madrid remained second after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory away against Alaves, while Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Villarreal despite Vinicius Junior receiving a red card for pulling an opponent’s hair.