Real Betis have
maintained their perfect Spanish league record with a 1-0 win over Osasuna
despite playing a man down in the second half on Friday.
Borja Iglesias' fourth
goal of the season gave Manuel Pellegrini's Betis their third straight win to
start the league.
Osasuna were also
looking for their third consecutive triumph in what was their first away match
in the league. They had beaten Sevilla and Cadiz at home. Betis defeated Elche
and Mallorca.
Villarreal and
defending champions Real Madrid are the only other teams with two victories
entering the weekend. Villarreal play at winless Getafe on Sunday, and Madrid
visit Espanyol.
Iglesias scored Betis'
winner with a shot from inside the area in the 34th minute at Benito Villamarin
Stadium in Seville.
Betis held on for the
victory despite Argentine defender German Pezzella being sent off for a foul on
Manu Sanchez in the 73rd.
Fifth-place finishers last
season, Betis have got off to a great start even though Pellegrini has not been
able to register several players because of the league's financial fair play
rules.
Celta Vigo ended their
winless start to the league by defeating promoted Girona 1-0.
Iago Aspas scored in
the 49th, the one-time Liverpool striker notching three of Celta's four goals
this season.