Real Betis and Sevilla FC will face off in another installment of the famous Seville derby, which takes on special significance in the context of the fight for European cups. The match will be held at the La Cartuja stadium, hosting this local clash for the first time in a quarter of a century. Betis, led by Manuel Pellegrini, is the favorite, but in derbies, the league table takes a back seat. Both teams emphasize the uniqueness of the event, with players sharing pre-match plans and declaring their readiness for battle.

Derby's Return to La Cartuja

The historic match will be held at the Olympic Stadium La Cartuja, which last hosted the Seville derby 25 years ago. Sevilla will play its second official match there in history, attempting to improve upon the unfavorable sole precedent.

Asymmetry of Goals and Ambitions

Betis, occupying a higher league position, openly admits to dreams of the Champions League, which coach Pellegrini calls a „gigantic step”. Sevilla, in the middle of the table, is playing primarily for points and prestige, and the match against their neighbor is a chance to lift spirits.

Key Players and Their Declarations

Betis goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos emphasizes the team's determination despite being favored. Striker Chimy Ávila calls on fans for support, promising a fight on the pitch. Defenders César Azpilicueta and Diego Llorente are seen as the defensive foundations of their respective teams.

European Context and Players' Futures

The match is played in the shadow of upcoming Europa League second legs. Betis is already thinking about Panathinaikos and Rafa Benítez's return to Athens after 21 years. In the background, talks about the future of several players, including Vlachodimos and Neal Maupay, are ongoing.

Seville is gearing up for one of the hottest sporting events of the season – the Gran Derbi between Real Betis and Sevilla FC. The match of the 28th round of LaLiga EA Sports, scheduled for the La Cartuja stadium, carries historical baggage and very concrete contemporary stakes. For Betis, led by the experienced Manuel Pellegrini, this is another step towards achieving the ambitious goal of qualifying for the Champions League. The coach does not hide that this would be a „gigantic step” for the club. His team is widely considered the favorite for the match, reflected in their higher league position. However, as goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos reminds, „the table says Betis is better, but this is a derby and we want to win it”. Betis players emphasize focus and respect for the rival, exemplified by the words of Chimy Ávila, who promised fans that the players „will die on the pitch, just as they die in the stands”. The rivalry between Real Betis and Sevilla FC, known as the „Gran Derbi” or „Derbi sevillano”, dates back to the early 20th century and is considered one of the hottest local clashes in Spain. Beyond sporting rivalry, it also reflects certain social divisions in the city, though nowadays it is primarily sporting in nature. Betis has never won three derbies in a row, which provides additional motivation for Pellegrini's team. Sevilla, under the leadership of Matías Almeyda, arrives at La Cartuja in a different situation. The club is in the middle of the table, and the season can be considered disappointing. The coach, aware of the tense atmosphere, announced he would watch the match „where he doesn't have to watch it”, so as not to create „inconvenience”. The match at La Cartuja is also a historical challenge for Sevilla – it is only the club's second official match at this venue, and the only previous one did not end favorably. Defender César Azpilicueta is expected to be one of the „walls” meant to stop Betis's offense. The match has an additional, European context. Betis will soon face Panathinaikos in the Europa League round of 16 second leg, and coach Rafa Benítez's return to Athens after 21 years is a personal subplot. In the background, talks about the future of several players are also taking place. Goalkeeper Vlachodimos, while declaring happiness in Seville, admitted that his fate will be decided by the club's management. Similarly, striker Neal Maupay left the door open, saying that if the club wants him to stay, he is open to it.

Mentioned People

  • Manuel Pellegrini — Manager of Real Betis, who before the derby speaks about the club's dream of the Champions League.
  • Odysseas Vlachodimos — Goalkeeper of Real Betis, who comments on his team being favored ahead of the derby with Sevilla.
  • Chimy Ávila — Striker for Real Betis, who before the match called on fans for support, promising a fight on the pitch.
  • Matías Almeyda — Manager of Sevilla FC, who commented on where he would watch the derby to avoid creating inconvenience.
  • César Azpilicueta — Experienced defender for Sevilla FC, seen as one of the pillars of the defense ahead of the derby.
  • Rafa Benítez — Former manager, mentioned in the context of Betis's upcoming Europa League match against Panathinaikos.
  • Neal Maupay — Striker, who commented on his potential future at the club after the season.
  • Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea — Head referee appointed to officiate the derby match between Betis and Sevilla.