PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (Interstat) — Real Betis opened its La Liga season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Mallorca on Sunday, defying pregame projections in a match defined by impactful substitutions at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.

The visitors from Seville secured the three points with two first-half goals, overturning an early deficit. The result handed Mallorca a losing start to its domestic campaign.

Against the statistical odds, which heavily favored the hosts, Real Betis displayed resilience. Interstat’s pregame metrics had projected a draw and gave Mallorca a 77.4 percent probability of victory, forecasts Betis rendered obsolete by the final whistle.

Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi was the dominant figure on the pitch, involved in both of his team’s most dangerous moments. The forward first turned provider in the 18th minute, his assist setting up teammate Abde Ezzalzouli for the opening goal. Ezzalzouli, entering the match as a substitute, made an immediate impact by slotting home to give the islanders an early lead.

The advantage was short-lived. Just before halftime, in the second minute of added time, Real Betis leveled the score. Substitute Cédric Bakambu found the net, capitalizing on service from midfielder Samu Costa to send the teams into the break tied 1-1.

The match’s physical intensity was reflected in a flurry of yellow cards, with seven issued between the 16th and 61st minutes. Players booked included Mallorca’s Diego Llorente, Samu Costa and Vedat Muriqi, alongside Real Betis’ Aitor Ruibal, Manu Morlanes, Álvaro Vallés and Pablo Maffeo.

Real Betis seized the decisive lead in the 66th minute. Muriqi, again at the heart of the action, this time scored himself, finishing an assist from defender Pablo Maffeo to bring Mallorca back to level terms at 2-2. The goal solidified Muriqi’s status as the game’s standout performer with a goal and an assist.

Despite Muriqi’s efforts, Mallorca could not find an equalizer in the remaining minutes. Real Betis managed the game effectively to see out the victory.

With the win, Real Betis begins its La Liga season with a record of one win and no losses. Mallorca starts with no wins and one loss. The records for both clubs across all competitions mirror their opening-day league results.