Betis waits Riquelme and the Madrid footballer is starting to show signs. This could be seen on Thursday in Croatia, in a match with several striking aspects. The fourth match won by the green and white team in Europa League had in Riquelme … a very important protagonist. He put in a good performance and played a key role at the start of Betis’ path to victory. After half an hour he showed his determination to reach the baseline and make a cross which, after hitting Dinamo Zagreb player Sergi Domínguez, became the first goal of the match. And just three minutes later, he appeared in the area to receive a measured pass from Bakambu and extend the Betic team’s lead on the scoreboard.
“Today I enjoyed football and I haven’t done it for a long time,” Riquelme himself commented at the end of a match where he went from less to more. Convinced of the importance of taking advantage of the opportunity to be in the starting lineup. It was again holder in the Europa League after being a substitute and not having minutes in the green and white’s victory against Utrecht. He barely took part in the home stretch of the match that Betis also won against Olympique Lyonnais at La Cartuja. We had to go back to October 23, the day of the away match against Genk, to see Riquelme debut in Europe. On this day, unlike Thursday, he was on the left side of the green and white design. With Lo Celso in the central area and Antony starting from the right.
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Riquelme played as a starter for the Betic team in La Liga
Against Dinamo Zagreb, Riquelme was in midfield while Abde played on the left. The winger played his last match with the green and white team before joining the Moroccan national team to face the African Cup which will be held between December 21 and January 18. Green and white midfielder Amrabat also features in the 26-man call-up. Betis’ last three matches before the end of the year will take place next week. Monday, at home, before Rayo Vallecano to end the 16th day of La Liga. Thursday, also as a visitor, in the draw against Real Murcia corresponding to the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. And on Sunday 21 the visit of Getafe at the Chartreuse. The 2026 football year will begin for the green and white team with the away match against the real Madrid on Sunday January 4.
A new scenario
The next few weeks will tell us if Riquelme football evolves in the green and white team. If he has continuity in Pellegrini’s alignments. In short, if he ends up finding his place in the Betic team after a difficult first few months of the season. For the moment, a new scenario presents itself for the Madrid footballer. Riquelme stood out a little over a week ago by scoring three goals in Betic’s victory against Torrent (1-4) in the second round of the Copa del Rey. He took it a step further on Thursday by contributing in attack and becoming a real name for Betis in the match win against Dinamo Zagreb.
Riquelme, during Torrent-Betis of the Copa del Rey
Riquelme has moved up a step and it now remains to be seen whether he maintains the pace necessary to regain ground. His arrival in Heliopolis raised many expectations. In early July, his signing was announced with a contract until 2030. “They showed me that they want me to be here and they are just as excited as I am,” he commented during his official presentation as a Betic footballer. He made his debut four days later in the pre-season friendly match against Córdoba. He left some details starting from the left side. The first official day of the course arrived and Riquelme was also among the starting eleven for the away match against Elche (1-1). Again on the left although it also appears in the center. For example, to provide a good through ball, Aitor finished by scoring Betic’s first goal of the season.
The Madrid footballer started the next four matches of the championship. He had a few minutes left but he couldn’t really find his place. A key moment occurs in mid-September. Riquelme, holder in the Levante-Betiswas replaced by Abde There were less than 20 minutes left when the green and white team lost 2-1. The Moroccan international footballer was called up to Betis for the first time this season after recovering from injury. It took him little time to contribute with a pass from the left into the box which Fornals converted to make the final 2-2. Five days later, during Real Sociedad’s visit to La Cartuja (3-1), Abde started and was involved in the green and white team’s second goal. Riquelme, the regular starter, barely featured in the final stretch when he replaced Lo Celso. To see the Madrid footballer start at Betis in a La Liga match, we had to wait until November 22. During the visit of Girona (1-1), Riquelme was replaced at the break by Abde.
Abde disputes a ball during Betis-Mallorca in LaLiga 25-26
The Moroccan international was gaining importance in the green and white team. Indeed, since his return to Betis in mid-September, he has participated in all official matches, with the exception of the Copa del Rey against Torrent. Abde’s speed and verticality have made him a must for the green and white eleven. With a high pace of play. Contribute by reaching the opponent’s goal. Find the pass to his teammates and without forgetting the goal aspect. In Europe, he paved the way for Betis’ victory against Olympique Lyonnais (2-0) and scored the second goal in the match won by the green and white team against Utrecht (2-1). In La Liga, he also scored in Betis’s wins against Osasuna, Espanyol and Mallorca. His goal tally also includes the one scored in the match against Atlético Palma del Río.
Riquelme had few minutes in the Europa League, except for the match against Utrecht. In the Copa del Rey, he scored two goals in the victory against Atlético Palma del Río in the first round of the tournament. Today, after being a name in the last two matches won by the Betic team, a new stage opens for the Madrid footballer. The next exams will tell if he climbs further ranks in the green and white team.
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