Rodrigo Riquelme - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Drops back into reserve role Riquelme has come off the bench in each of the last two matches after initially benefiting from Ez Abde's absence to earn regular starts on the left wing.

Impact Riquelme made a strong start while Ez Abde was unavailable, scoring twice across his first three matches, but he appears to have returned to a backup role following Abde's return. The winger has two goals, one assist, eight chances created and 11 crosses across eight appearances in all competitions. Riquelme should still receive opportunities through rotation as the Champions League adds to Betis' fixture congestion, though Abde currently appears to be the preferred option on the left.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Assists winning goal Riquelme assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and two chances created in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Lille.

Impact Riquelme continued his strong start to the campaign by setting up Troy Parrott for the decisive goal early in the second half, adding another attacking contribution before being withdrawn late. He entered the match with two goals across four La Liga appearances, giving him three goal contributions across his first five appearances in all competitions this season. Riquelme should continue to see significant opportunities on the flank while Ez Abde works his way back.

SEPTEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Scores, takes three shots Riquelme scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 5-2 defeat against Levante.

Impact Riquelme was at the right place and time to even things up for Betis late in the first half, as he took advantage of a header won by Marc Roca to nod the ball home past Mathew Ryan. Riquelme has been a surprising contributor on offense playing as a left winger, and as long as he continues in that role, he should continue to have attractive fantasy upside. In three games so far in the 2026/27 Liga campaign, he has two goals, four shots and four chances created.

SEPTEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Scores winner in season opener Riquelme scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 1-0 win versus Real Sociedad.

Impact Riquelme bagged the only goal in Friday's season opener, a volley in the 63rd minute off a Cucho Hernandez assist. It was the only shot he managed in the match but it was all he needed to match his goal total across 25 La Liga appearances last season. The attacker also created two chances and intercepted two passes before he was subbed off in the 73rd minute for Pablo Garcia.

AUGUST 24 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses in preseason Riquelme continues to impress during Real Betis' preseason and is pushing for a starting spot in the league opener against Real Sociedad.

Impact Riquelme has raised his level significantly, scoring three goals during preseason against Recreativo, Lyon and Arsenal, showing physical and technical form clearly ahead of where he was last season, and he was again dangerous after coming on late against Bournemouth despite missing a clear chance. Ez Abde has not played a single minute this summer after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee on June 7 while playing for Morocco, an injury that also forced him out of the World Cup, and remains in individualized training as he gradually works his way closer to rejoining the group. With Abde still lacking match rhythm, Riquelme is the favorite to start on the left wing for the club's league opener against Real Sociedad. Coach Manuel Pellegrini still has one more preseason match to further assess both players before making his final decision.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Scores one goal off bench Riquelme scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Tuesday's 3-2 win against Girona. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th mi...

Impact Riquelme came on at halftime in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Girona and proved the decisive substitute, steering home the winning goal in the second half from inside the box after Ez Abde chested the ball down and set him up with a precise cutback to make it 3-2, while adding one crosse and two tackles. The Spanish has now registered one goal and one assist across 21 La Liga appearances this season.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Plays substitute role in cup match Riquelme (groin) sent in three crosses (one accurate) and completed two dribbles in 17 minutes as a substitute during Thursday's Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid.

Impact Riquelme bounced back from a four-game absence and saw limited minutes off the bench, which could be the usual case for him throughout the season. The winger has struggled to find consistency in terms of both playing time and performance over the current campaign, scoring no goals and delivering one assist across 16 matches played. He'll continue to serve as backup for Ez Abde on the left flank in upcoming contests.

FEBRUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Option to play Thursday Riquelme (groin) is an option for Thursday's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid, the club posted.

Impact Riquelme returns to the squad for Thursday's Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid after missing the last four matches with a groin injury. The midfielder is expected to resume his role as a substitute for Ez Abde, having started on the bench in each of his last four appearances prior to the injury.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers minor adductor injury Riquelme suffered a minor adductor injury in training on Monday, the club announced.

Impact Riquelme will miss some time to recover after suffering a minor adductor injury in training on Monday. The midfielder has mainly been a bench option for Betis this season, therefore his absence won't force any changes in the starting XI, even more now that Ez Abde is returning from international duty.

JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Tallies assist Rodrigo Riquelme assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Elche.

Impact Riquelme only put in one cross and created two chances, but it was enough for him to get on the board with an assist. He'll have a good chance to keep this up Friday against Alaves, a side which allowed 48 La Liga goals a year ago.

AUGUST 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Real Betis Riquelme has signed a contract until 2030 with Real Betis, joining on a permanent move from Atletico, his new club announced.

Impact Riquelme joined the Atletico academy in 2010 and was part of the historic U19 team that won the treble in the 2017/18 season. He made his senior team debut in September 2019 and was loaned to AFC Bournemouth, CD Mirandes, and Girona in the following seasons before returning to Atletico in 2023. During the last two seasons, Riquelme made 75 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and providing seven assists, which opened the doors to the national team.

JULY 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Riquelme (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Osasuna.

Impact Riquelme is once again fit after missing the club's last two games, with the midfielder seeing a spot on the bench to face Osasuna. He has not started in a game since November and will likely remain on the bench moving forward.

MAY 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

On squad list Riquelme (undisclosed) is on the squad list for Thursday's match against Osasuna.

Impact Riquelme looks to be in for a return Thursday, as he is on the squad list for the match against Osasuna. However, he was expected to return last week and still missed the call. That said, even if he is fit, he will likely only see a bench spot, starting in four of his 16 appearances this season.

MAY 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Misses out Saturday Riquelme (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Atletico Madrid.

Impact Riquelme was expected to be an option Saturday but has still missed the call, with he midfielder still sidelined. He will hope his return can come next contest, as only three games remain in the campaign.

MAY 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available against Sociedad Riquelme (undisclosed) was back in team training on Friday and is available for Saturday's clash against Real Sociedad, according to Carrusel Deportivo.

Impact Riquelme was spotted back in team training on Friday and is available for Saturday's game against Real Sociedad. That said, he has only been a bench option mainly this season, therefore his return will not impact the starting squad.

MAY 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Asbent for Alaves game Riquelme (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Saturday's match versus Alaves.

Impact Riquelme picked up a physical problem during the week and won't be involved. He has seen action merely off the bench in recent tilts, so his absence doesn't open up significant minutes.

MAY 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Logs six crosses, two accurate Riquelme had one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Monday's 4-2 victory against Valladolid.

Impact Since Atletico Madrid's elimination from the Champions League, the team's head coach Diego Simeone has not been afraid to mix up his squad a little bit. Riquelme has become a regular substitute, and the sub's latest appearance marks his best since the change. Across his last four games, Riquelme has logged 13 crosses (two accurate) and five chances created.

APRIL 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fit as expected Riquelme (illness) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Leverkusen.

Impact Riquelme was back in training Monday, so it is no surprise to see the midfielder on the team sheet Tuesday. He will likely only see a bench spot moving forward, only starting in five of his 14 appearances.

JANUARY 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Trains normally, fit for Tuesday Riquelme (illness) is an option for Tuesday's match against Leverkusen, according to manager Diego Simone.

Impact Riquelme looks to be back in the call for Tuesday, recovering from his illness after only one match out. He will likely only see a spot on the bench in his return to play, starting in only five of his 14 appearances while mainly going unused recently.

JANUARY 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Missing through illness Riquelme is not in the squad to face Leganes on Saturday due to illness.

Impact Riquelme misses out on short notice after picking up an illness in the buildup. Riquelme hasn't featured in any of Atleti's last three matches and hasn't made a start since November.

JANUARY 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starts in cup Riquelme got the start and played an hour during Thursday's 2-0 win over UE Vic.

Impact Riquelme hasn't been a major contributor of late, coming off the bench more often than not. He got the start in Copa del Rey action and put together a solid hour on the pitch. He will occasionally get starts or minutes off the bench at left-back or left wing, but for the most part Riquelme seems set as a depth option moving forward.

OCTOBER 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses in debut season Riquelme scored three goals and added five assists in 34 appearances (17 starts) in La Liga.

Impact Riquelme added eight goal contributions, matching his tally with Girona. The winger never established a true starting role, but he wasn't expected to. Instead he made the most of his limited chances, and played a valuable depth role. Barring injury Riquelme should have no problems replicating this role in the coming seasons.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in start Riquelme scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Mallorca.

Impact Riquelme picked up his first start since the first half of April, and he made the opportunity meaningful by logging the only goal of Atletico Madrid's game Saturday. He now has three goals across the 2023-24 La Liga.

MAY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up goal in win Monday Rodrigo Riquelme assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Monday's 2-1 victory over Villarreal.

Impact Riquelme delivered a perfect corner kick that was nodded home by Axel Witsel in the near post, giving Atletico the lead in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Riquelme has not been a regular starter for Atletico, but it's worth noting he has racked up three assists over his last 10 appearances (four starts) across all competitions.

APRIL 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Efficient off bench Riquelme had seven crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Cadiz.

Impact Riquelme was a decent sub off the bench, recording seven crosses during Saturday's loss. He had only recorded seven crosses in the last five games, totaling an assist on just one start in that span.

MARCH 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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