Ruibal Runs Riot: Aitor's Double Helps Betis Hammer Getafe
Aitor Ruibal stars with a brace as Real Betis crush Getafe 4-0 at La Cartuja to end 2025 in style, with the versatile player thriving in advanced role.
Betis End Year With a Bang as Ruibal Steals the Show
Real Betis signed off 2025 in spectacular fashion, demolishing Getafe 4-0 at La Cartuja with Aitor Ruibal bagging a brilliant brace to cap off a proper Christmas cracker of a performance.
The versatile Ruibal, who was named Man of the Match, was joined on the scoresheet by Pablo Fornals and Cucho Hernández as Manuel Pellegrini’s men put on a festive football feast for the delighted Verdiblancos faithful.
Ruibal Relishing Advanced Role
What stood out beyond the scoreline was Ruibal’s effectiveness in a more advanced position than we’ve become accustomed to seeing him. The 29-year-old has often been deployed as a right-back or wing-back under Pellegrini, but against Getafe, he was let off the leash further forward—with devastating results.
“People aren’t used to seeing me so far forward, but that’s where I’ve played all my life,” Ruibal explained after the match. “It’s not the same as when I play at the back, this comes much more naturally to me.”
Pellegrini’s Personal Touch
The relationship between Ruibal and Pellegrini continues to bear fruit in their sixth season together. When asked what instructions the Chilean gaffer had given him, Ruibal’s answer revealed the deep understanding between them:
“He knows me better than anyone,” Ruibal said. “It’s my sixth year with him and I’ve simply done what he asked of me.”
Perfect End to 2025
The victory wraps up a satisfying calendar year for Betis, with Ruibal himself clearly in a happy place both professionally and personally. When asked what he wants from the new year, his response was telling:
“Maybe just a little improvement. Honestly, I don’t know what more I could ask for. I’m where I want to be, with who I want to be with, at the club I love most, with my family, my son, my wife—and hopefully I can stay for many more years.”
Looking Ahead
This dominant display will have Betis supporters dreaming of what might be possible in 2026. The team looked balanced, clinical and confident—exactly what you want heading into the second half of the campaign.
For Ruibal, this performance might just convince Pellegrini to utilize him in more advanced positions moving forward. If he can continue this sort of form, he’ll be giving his gaffer a proper selection headache—in the best possible way.