La Liga wrap: Betis stay perfect, Espanyol trump Getafe

Real Betis held off a fast-finishing Real Zaragoza on Thursday to post a 4-3 win and move top of the La Liga table.

On-loan Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz fired the hosts ahead at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera after seven minutes, and a penalty from Salva Sevilla put them 2-0 up before Efrain Juarez pulled a goal back for Zaragoza nine minutes before the interval.

A penalty from Benat and another goal from Santa Cruz had Betis cruising at 4-1 up just four minutes into the second half.

But two goals in three minutes from winger Juan Carlos put Zaragoza right back in the game with 11 minutes to play, and although both sides had chances late, 4-3 was where the scoreline stayed.

The result continues newly promoted Betis’ stunning return to the Spanish top-flight, with Pepe Mel’s side sitting on 12 points from four games, the only team to have maintained a perfect record.

Thursday’s other game saw Espanyol claim a 1-0 win at home over struggling Getafe.

Walter Pandiani was the hero for Espanyol, coming off the bench with 14 minutes remaining to score the only goal of the game in stoppage time.