Real Betis Balompié couldn't get a win in the first leg of the last 16 in Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad. The team played better and tried more than their rival but was unable to score a goal that would have given them the lead.

Just after the kick-off, Real Sociedad had their first approach to the opposite box, but Mandi blocked the shot that Bautista tried. Joaquín replied a few minutes later, trying to take Rulli by surprise with a free kick, but the keeper made a good save in the near post.

The game was quite open in the beginning, with options for both sides. Betis did manage to score before the 20^th minute, but it was disallowed as Sanabria was offside. Betis had then taken a step forward and had the possession, displaying good football.

The best so far came through Joaquín, whose strong effort from outside the box hit the crossbar. The next one was for Guardado, who tried after a good collective play, but Rulli sent the ball wide with a good save.

Just after the beginning of the second half, Betis got really close to take the lead. A good play by Barragán on the right wing and an assist to Lo Celso. The Argentine turned around and shot searching for the far post but again Rulli saved his team. The second had started in a very similar way of the end of the first. Betis wanted to attack more and Real Sociedad were focused in defence.

Betis continued trying and Rulli again denied Lo Celso. Sanabria could have gotten the rebound but he did not reach it. The Argentinian midfielder was quite throughout the game and tried again in a personal play, but he was in a tight angle and Rulli blocked his shot. The visitors had their best chance in a play that originated in a loss in defence by Betis. Juanmi set foot inside the box alone but Robles made a great save.

Nothing much happened and all will be decided in Anoeta.

Real Betis Balompié: Joel Robles, Barragán, Mandi, Bartra, Francis, Carvalho, Guardado (Tello 61'), Canales, Lo Celso, Joaquín (Boudebouz 84') y Sanabria (Loren 78').

Real Sociedad de Fútbol: Rulli, Zaldua, Lorente, Le Normand (Moreno 68'), Theo Hernández, Zubeldia, Zurutuza (Merino 46'), Sangalli UJanuzaj 84'), Oyarzabal, Juanmi y Bautista.

Colegiado: Santiago Jaime Latre, comité aragonés. Amonestó a Zaldua (10'), Zubeldia (16'), Mandi (41') y Llorente (78').