La Liga Matchday 8 delivered a flurry of goals and drama on 12 October, with Valencia CF settling for a 2-2 draw against Real Racing Club de Santander in Santander, while Real Betis climbed to third place with a commanding 5-2 home win over Osasuna and Real Sociedad survived a tense second-half fightback to edge Deportivo La Coruña 3-2 with ten men.

Valencia Held by Promoted Racing Santander

Valencia coach Javier Aguirre saw his side strike early, with Dani Raba netting against the newly promoted hosts inside the opening minute. The lead did not last, however, as Racing Santander equalised in the 32nd minute through Yassir Zabiri, set up by Iñigo Vicente.

Ivan Martin then put Racing ahead just two minutes after halftime, threatening a notable scalp for the promoted side. But Valencia substitute David Otorbi struck in the 65th minute to rescue a point and level the contest at 2-2. The result leaves Aguirre's side with work to do in the standings, having dropped points to a team many expected them to beat.

Betis and Isco Fire Five Past Osasuna

Real Betis put in their most convincing performance of the campaign, routing Osasuna 5-2 at home and moving into third place in La Liga, now five points behind leaders Barcelona. Isco was the standout, scoring twice to orchestrate the victory.

The opener arrived in the 10th minute when Osasuna defender Unai Santos conceded a foul and Isco converted from the penalty spot. Ez Abde doubled the advantage in the 31st minute from a Cucho Hernandez assist, and Betis went 3-0 ahead three minutes after halftime when Ante Budimir's attempted clearance deflected off Diego Llorente and into his own net.

Osasuna briefly threatened a comeback, with Budimir pulling one back before former Betis forward Raul Garcia made it 3-2. Isco immediately restored the two-goal cushion with his second of the match, and debutant Jose Antonio Morante completed the rout in stoppage time. Notably, this was Betis's most emphatic league win in recent weeks and signals genuine title-race intent.

Sociedad Hold On With Ten Men Against Deportivo

Real Sociedad needed every ounce of resilience to claim all three points against Deportivo La Coruña, winning 3-2 at home despite finishing with ten men. Jon Martin headed the hosts ahead from a Carlos Soler corner, and Arsen Zakharyan doubled the lead in the 34th minute.

Gonçalo Guedes made it 3-0 with a powerful left-footed finish after a driving run from the halfway line, seemingly putting the match beyond doubt. Deportivo, however, refused to give in. Mario Soriano pulled one back in the 61st minute, and Sociedad's Pablo Marin was sent off four minutes later for denying Bil N'Songo a clear scoring opportunity.

Yeremay Hernandez converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-2, setting up a tense final quarter. Playing a man down, Sociedad held firm under sustained pressure to see out the win — a result that underlines their defensive character this term.

Other Results

Elche and Celta Vigo shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw as Sunday's early fixture failed to produce a goal. The result continues an inconsistent run for both sides.

With Matchday 8 now complete, attention turns to the midweek schedule as clubs look to cement their early-season positions in what is shaping up to be a closely contested La Liga campaign.