Arsenal End Pre Season With 3-1 Defeat to Real Betis Ahead of New Campaign

Arteta’s side suffer final warm up setback in Dublin as attention shifts to Emirates Cup, Community Shield and Premier League opener

DUBLIN, Ireland

Arsenal concluded their 2026 pre season preparations with a 3-1 defeat to Spanish side Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night, ending their tour of Spain and Ireland on a disappointing note before the start of the new campaign.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Real Betis raced into an early two goal lead through Riquelme and Nelson Deossa, placing the Premier League side under pressure before the midway point of the first half.

Arsenal responded through Piero Hincapié, who powered home a header from Christos Tzolis’ corner to reduce the deficit and briefly revive Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, former West Ham United midfielder Pablo Fornals restored Betis’ two goal cushion before halftime after capitalising on a misplaced pass by Kai Havertz, firing a long range strike beyond goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Betis Punish Arsenal’s Defensive Errors

The Spanish club opened the scoring inside the opening ten minutes when Arsenal failed to clear a corner, allowing Riquelme to finish from close range.

Moments later, Deossa doubled the advantage with a spectacular 30 yard strike into the top corner, giving Betis firm control of the encounter.

Although Arsenal found a way back through Hincapié’s header, another costly defensive mistake allowed Fornals to score the visitors’ third before the break.

Arteta Rotates Squad Ahead of Competitive Fixtures

Manager Mikel Arteta introduced seven changes after halftime, handing Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli their first pre season appearances as they continued their return to full fitness.

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The match also saw an injury concern for Arsenal after 19 year old defender Louie Copley was forced off barely ten minutes after coming on.Despite improved second half performances, Arsenal could not reduce the deficit further.

Meslier denied veteran midfielder Isco, while Gabriel Jesus failed to convert Martinelli’s inviting cut back as the match ended 3-1 in favour of Real Betis.

Focus Turns to Competitive Season

ValidViewNetwork reports that Arsenal will now return to England for the final phase of preparations before the new season.

The Gunners are scheduled to host Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup on Sunday before welcoming Como next week.

Arteta’s side will then face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on August 16 before beginning their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at home against Coventry City on August 21.

While pre season results rarely define a season, Arsenal will hope to tighten their defensive organisation before competitive football begins.