Real Betis made their first visit to the new San Mamés Stadium, Pepe Mel had already announced in the pre-match press conference that it was going to be a different match compared with previous encounters. Once again there were changes in the starting line-up and Chuli made his League début in the starting eleven. Athletic set a fast pace from the beginning of the match making it hard for Betis to get into the game. The home team's control of the match made for scarce counter-attacks and shook the green-and-whites . The lack of passing in the midfield took its toll and they weren't able to connect with the forwards. Chuli was the only active one and created some danger in the first half with two shots that could have put Betis ahead. But there were only a few attacks on Athletic who were making headway up the wing and creating scoring opportunities. The first was for Aduriz in a counter attack after a referee error awarding a free kick to the home team who quickly put the ball back into play. Ander had another opportunity which Betis rejected with a pass to Matilla. The mid-fielder's shot was spectacularly saved by Iraizoz. Valverde's team kept the pressure on until the end of the first half. Nacho robbed a ball from Susaeta that could have led to a goal and the ball struck Sara's crossbar twice. Then Ibai followed by Gurpegui created some danger before the referee blew his whistle ending the first half. At half-time the score was a draw. At the beginning of the second half things weren't going much better and Mel made some changes on the bench. Lolo Reyes and Verdú came on for Salva and Matilla. No sooner had they got on to the pitch when the referee awarded a penalty to Athletic. Xavi Torres brought Susaeta down when he was feigning a pass. Beñat stepped up to the ball and Sara justified his fame as the penalty-stopper. The goalkeeper stopped the ex-Betis players penalty and marked the start of a run of good play in which they were the best team for a while. A short while later Betis went ahead. Lolo Reyes centred from the wing and Molina shot and then put the ball in the net off the rebound. Betis were the better team on the pitch and just when they were feeling comfortable and and things were looking good for the green-and-whites, the equaliser was scored. Beñat set up De Marcos for a header that made it a draw again. The Lions were on form again and San José headed in another cross from the wing putting them back on top. Molina's one on one with the goalkeeper could have drawn the match had he not struck wood. There was another chance for Verdú in extra time but his shot went the wrong side of the crossbar and Betis were not able to add to Molina's goal. 

2 - Athletic Iraizoz; Iraola, San José, Gurpegui, Laporte, Mikel Rico, Beñat, Ander Herrera (De Marcos, m. 69); Susaeta (Muniain, m. 73) Aduriz and Ibai (Iturraspe, m. 85).

1 - Real Betis Sara, Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Nacho, Matilla (Verdú, m.56) Xavi Torres, Salva Sevilla (Lolo Reyes, m. 50); Juanfran, Chuli (Cedrick, m. 72) and Jorge Molina. 

Goals 0-1, m. 62: Jorge Molina. 1-1, m. 72: De Marcos 2-1, m. 81: San José 

Referee Iglesias Villanueva (Galicia). Yellow cards for Paulao, Xavi Torres, Chica, Chuli, Amaya and Aduriz 

Incidences. Match played at the new San Mamés Stadium.