For the first time since the 2018/19 season, Real Betis has managed to defeat city rival Sevilla. Manuel Pellegrini's team secured their sixth consecutive league win on Sunday and appears ready for the visit to Barcelona.
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El Gran Derbi is always a match filled with passion, intensity, and fierce competition, but the latest encounter between Real Betis and Sevilla carried even more drama than usual.
The tension between the two Seville clubs had been simmering for weeks due to a provocative act by three Sevilla players Isaac Romero, Juanlu Sánchez, and José Ángel Carmona following Sevilla’s previous victory at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Their celebration, which involved waving a white flag featuring the Real Betis logo in black, crossed out with a red line, was seen as a blatant act of disrespect and mockery by Betis supporters and officials alike.
Real Betis, feeling that the act crossed the line of good sportsmanship, took swift action and filed a formal complaint with the anti-violence committee. La Liga’s disciplinary body eventually decided to suspend the trio for one match, a decision that further strained the already fragile relationship between the two clubs. Sevilla, incensed by what they saw as Betis overreacting and appealing to higher authorities, declared they would cut all ties with their city rivals. The bitterness off the pitch only added fuel to the fire for the upcoming derby.
On Sunday, anticipation reached fever pitch as Real Betis and Sevilla faced off once again, this time at Estadio Benito Villamarín. The crowd was electric, with chants and flares igniting the atmosphere. Manuel Pellegrini, aware of the significance of the occasion, fielded a strong lineup featuring new loan signing Antony from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger, who had joined Betis during the winter break, had a point to prove and was eager to make an impact on his first El Gran Derbi appearance.
Despite Betis’s determination, it was Sevilla who struck first. Rubén Vargas capitalized on some sloppy defending from Betis to score the opening goal early in the match. The goal sent the visiting fans into a frenzy and added even more pressure on the home side. Sevilla looked confident and comfortable for much of the first half, with their midfield dictating the tempo and their defense holding strong against Betis’s attacking efforts.
However, Real Betis showed their resilience. With the first half nearing its conclusion, Johnny Cardoso found himself in the right place at the right time to score the equalizer. The goal came from a well-executed set-piece, with Isco’s precise delivery finding Cardoso unmarked at the back post. The celebration that followed was filled with passion and defiance, as if the team was determined to erase the memory of their recent struggles against Sevilla.
But Betis wasn’t done yet. Just before the halftime whistle, Cucho Hernández delivered a moment of magic that sent the Estadio Benito Villamarín into raptures. The Colombian forward received a perfectly weighted through ball from Isco, split the Sevilla defense with his pace, and finished coolly past the goalkeeper. It was a beautifully crafted goal, highlighting both Isco’s vision and Hernández’s clinical finishing ability. The stadium erupted, with fans roaring their approval and sensing that this might finally be their day.
The intensity of the match only grew in the second half. Sevilla, now trailing, tried desperately to regain control of the game, but their efforts were repeatedly stifled by a disciplined and determined Betis defense. Nemanja Gudelj tried to rally his teammates, but frustration quickly set in as Betis’s midfield trio controlled possession and limited Sevilla’s attacking opportunities.
Antony, meanwhile, proved to be a constant thorn in Sevilla’s side. The Brazilian winger dazzled with his footwork and creativity, weaving his way past defenders and creating chances for his teammates. However, his flair and trickery also made him a target for rough challenges. Sevilla’s players, seemingly frustrated by Antony’s skill and confidence, resorted to physical play in an attempt to unsettle him. Antony was fouled multiple times, but each time he picked himself up and continued to torment the Sevilla defense.
Despite Sevilla’s attempts to claw their way back into the match, Real Betis remained resolute. Their defense, marshaled expertly by Luiz Felipe and Juan Miranda, refused to buckle under pressure. As the minutes ticked away, it became increasingly clear that Sevilla was running out of ideas. Their attacks lacked cohesion, and their desperation was evident in their increasingly reckless tackles and misplaced passes.
In contrast, Betis remained composed and controlled, content to absorb Sevilla’s pressure and launch swift counterattacks when the opportunity presented itself. Antony continued to be a creative force, while Isco, despite picking up a yellow card that will see him miss the upcoming clash against Barcelona, dictated the tempo with his experience and vision.
As the final whistle blew, the Estadio Benito Villamarín erupted with joy. Real Betis Sevilla had secured a 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals, finally breaking a long winless streak in La Liga’s El Gran Derbi that dated back to the 2018/19 season. The relief and jubilation among the players, coaches, and fans were palpable. For Betis, this victory was about more than just three points it was a statement of intent, a declaration that they were ready to challenge for higher ambitions this season.
The win also allowed Real Betis to remain within touching distance of the top five, keeping their European aspirations alive. Manuel Pellegrini’s side now sits just a few points behind the coveted fifth place, with the prospect of European football next season looking increasingly achievable.
For Sevilla, the defeat was a harsh reality check. Stuck in eleventh place and drifting aimlessly in mid-table, the club appears to be in a state of disarray. Their decision to sever ties with Betis following the flag incident now seems hasty and ill-advised, especially given their current struggles on the pitch. With a lack of consistency and creativity, Sevilla’s hopes of climbing the table appear bleak.
Betis, on the other hand, can now look forward to their upcoming matches with renewed confidence. Although Isco’s suspension for the Barcelona game is a setback, the team’s unity and resilience suggest they are capable of overcoming adversity. Antony’s dazzling debut performance has given fans something to cheer about, and the prospect of him continuing to shine for Betis is an exciting one.
As the dust settles on another memorable edition of El Gran Derbi, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Real Betis and Sevilla remains as fierce and captivating as ever. And for the green-and-white half of the city, this latest triumph will be remembered and celebrated for a long time to come.
Updated: 10:43, 30 Mar 2025
