Real Betis played their first preseason friendly match in Andalusia, which satisfied the hundreds of Betis fans who came to watch their team play against Atlético Sanluqueño at El Palmar, a team that played in the Second Division B last year but were relegated. It was not what one would call an attractive match but it did allow Julio Velázquez to continue drawing conclusions.

The manager, as he has already said, is making the most of the first stages of work this summer to try things out. Tonight he opted once again for a 4-2-3-1 with four of the new signings in the starting eleven. Dani Giménez was in goal escorted by the two new wing-backs. The double pivot was formed by the apprentices Carlos García and Nono; up front there was a line of three with Cedrick starting on the right wing, Pacheco on the left and Sergio as an attacking midfielder to connect with Molina.

The offensive plan was clear and play on the wing outweighed plays up the middle. When the team advanced with the ball they gained metres on the wing so that more players could join in on the offensive move, whilst the pivots took up a stepped formation to fill the gaps with Carlos García a little further back than Nono. Nevertheless, Real Betis were not clearly in control of the match against a tricky rival who had very little space between the lines in the early stages of the match. As time went by Betis gained more possession of the ball but, as has happened in previous matches, they lacked precision in the final pass.  

Real Betis managed to tip the scales in the 21st minute thanks to a good action by Pacheco. He sprinted up his wing and then dribbled into the area looking for a chance to shoot. Dani stopped him with a foul and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The player from Malaga gave the ball to his teammate Molina, who satisfied his desire to put the failed penalty at Elche behind him with a goal. This time a good shot from the 11-metre spot saw the ball in the net.

 With Sanluqueño trying to put the pressure on up one wing and then the other which didn't culminate in any real danger the whistle went for halftime.

The second half was more attractive. The Betis team that stepped out on to the field of play kept the same formation but with a completely new eleven and with Isuardi on the right wing. The match was marred a few minutes into the second half due to an aggression by CristianTeran on Isaac, which saw him sent off. In the second piece of play Vadillo was fouled on the run. He tried to continue but he had hurt himself and had to abandon the pitch. Then, something truly surreal occurred in the friendly match. Velázquez gave orders for Casado to go on but the referee did not let him come on because he had played in the first half.

With tension in the match and the pace a little sluggish, Sanluqueño had a couple of occasions which Perquis resolved with good clears at the goalmouth. Whilst Betis was trying to get back into the match Matilla was sent off after a late tackle on Oca. Even with 10 players against 9, Real Betis were able to widen the gap. A shot by Rennella, who was unbalanced by a rival, went wide. Just five minutes before the end of the match he had a second chance and this time he finished it off. Isuardi sprinted up the centre of the pitch and passed to the Franco-Italian who took advantage to score the second goal of the match. The team from Cadiz tried to reduce the gap but Carrión sent the ball wide with their best chance just before the final whistle.

Atlético Sanluqueño: Fran; Ceballos, Pelón, Dani, José; Selu, Oca, Becerra, Cristian; Melo and Antonio. Marcos, Carrión, Cristian, Diego, Alberto Rodríguez also played

Real Betis: Dani Giménez, Molinero, Caro, Jordi Figueras, Casado; Cedrick, Nono, Carlos García, Pacheco; Sergio and Molina. Adán, Isaac, Perquis, Bruno, Álex Martínez;  Xavi Torres, Matilla; Isuardi, Rennella, Vadillo; Rubén also played.

Referee. Salvador Sánchez Rincón (Jerez); red cards for Cristian Terán (53') and Matilla (71')

 Goals. 0-1 (23’) Molina. 0-2 (85') Rennella