Real Betis-Sevilla

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

A Seville derbi? Tomorrow? Really?

I wish I could say that on the eve of the league visit from our neighbours Seville is in the grip of derbi fever, but I'm afraid that couldn't be further from the truth. Although, strictly speaking, if Betis won all their last seven games they would certainly stay up, that's about as likely as tommow's game being cancelled due to snow, and most Béticos now just want the season to be over. Sevillistas, meanwhile, are too busy revelling in Thursday's impressive demolition of Porto and looking forward to a very winnable Europa League semi-final against Valencia to borrow much about their snivelling city rivals, while everyone but everyone is more excited by the arrival of Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and the start of Semana Santa, the city's most important week of the year.

While before the so-called Euroderbi there were endless queues at the ticket offices, the story this week has been about how few seats have been sold - just 300 on the first day - and it's thought that a good number of season-ticket holders will prefer to watch the first Semana Santa processions than take their places under the hot sun to watch another potential humiliation. In fact, it's even been suggested that the reason for the ridiculously high ticket prices is to dissuade Sevillistas, who are on the whole much keener to see the game than Béticos are, from sitting in among the home fans.

So, with so little interest in the derbi itself, this week local journalists have once again turned their attention to making educated guesses on who will be leaving and who will be staying. Expected to be out, for example, are: Guille Sara, Jordi Figueras, Juan Carlos, Leo Baptistao, Salva Sevilla, Nosa, and, sadly, Alfred N'Diaye (unless a formula can be found to continue his loan spell for another year), while next year's team is shaping up to be Antonio Adán and 10 random others (although I suspect even he's vulnerable to a silly offer).

And what about the boss, Gabriel Calderón? Good question. It had been tacitly assumed that he'd be sticking around whatever happened, but this looks increasingly unlikely. In a press conference this week he said, "To stay on, I'd be very demanding. The situation [at the end of the season] isn't anything like when I arrived. People assume I'm desperate to stay but they're very wrong. I came because I had a moral obligtion here - I risked everything to do it. I lost money, prestige - but I don't care...I wanted to come to and help a loved one who was in intensive care and to die with them if necessary...It's true that Betis are the only team I would train in Segunda, but at the same time I'm not yet completely convinced that I want to stay. I don't know whether circumstances will allow me to work in the conditions I need."

You don't need exactly need to read between the lines to get the impression he's had enough, which I think would probably save the depleted technical department a difficult decision. On the one hand Calderón did at least manage to lift the players' morale after the Garrido debacle and point the team in vaguely the right direction, but his stock has fallen since the anaemic Euroderbi second leg performance and his penchant for puzzling decisions - players asked to perform out of position, inexplicable formation changes, head-scratching substitutions - has lost him support both in the stands and the boardroom. It's amazing how often a football team seems to reflect their coach's personality, and Betis in recent weeks have looked neat and (mostly) sensible, but somehow lacking a touch of fire in their collective belly. There's a chance Calderón will redeem himself tomorrow, of course, but even that might be too late. Besides, most of Seville has got other things on their mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYpc...layer_embedded

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Emery: We have to be demanding of ourselves

Sevilla manager Unai Emery warns there’s no room for complacency from his side, as they head into Sunday’s city derby at Real Betis, who will be keen to avenge their Europa League exit.

At his Saturday press call, Sevilla manager Unai Emery underlined that he’s well aware that Real Betis will be fired up and keen for revenge, when the sides take to the Benito Villamarín pitch for another passionately contested derby.

“We have to give them maximum respect. They’ve already beaten us this season and we know that they’re a different Betis, with good play and results. This will be different, because of their motivation. They will be trying to get over us knocking them out of the Europa League and whilst they still have a chance of survival in La Liga, they’re going to fight for it.”

Emery also spoke of his utmost respect for rival manager, Gabriel Calderon, for what he’s sought to achieve with struggling Betis.

“Calderón has brought and important balance to his team and, after the Europa League tie, I regard him as a true gentleman.”

Given his team played only last Thursday in the Europa League, Emery acknowledged that there may be some tired legs in his squad and as such, hinted that there may be rotations ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

“Tiredness is a factor after a match like the one on Thursday, though we need to be at our best. We’ve prepared well to compete again and as a team, we need the three points in play. To decide who is going to play, we need the feedback of our players, about how they are and what they need. There may last-minute changes.”

The form of Sevilla heading into the derby with Betis, has to be maintained, insisted Emery.

“Recent results are giving us confidence and positive inertia, generating positive energy amongst the team. All of this has to be present tomorrow. This is our constant task in games: Be demanding of ourselves, be competitive, maintain a high level of intensity from the first to the final minutes.”

Emery also warned that delighted though everyone is with Europa League progress to the semi-finals, there is no room for complacency, particularly with their La Liga objectives in mind and the occasion of the derby.

“As well as strengthening our hold on fifth position, this is a derby. We must separate ourselves from the euphoria, that could lead to complacency.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

The fact that they're expecting a crowd of rather less than 30,000 tells you, I think, all you need to know about today's weirdly irrelevant derbi. (That's almost 20,000 fewer bums on seats than you might expect for a "normal" visit of Sevilla.) Put simply, a vast number of Béticos have decided that they've got better things to do, whether it's getting into position for the start of Semana Santa, heading to the beach or rearranging their second-best cutlery drawer. Perhaps this is not surprising: if Betis win, we can't honestly pretend we're anything but the city's second best team and we're still going down; and if Betis lose - well, who wants to see that?

Perhaps this is the time to give credit to Sevilla, who, after a shaky start, have won seven of their eight league games to pull themselves up to fifth, not to mention having stormed into the semis of the Europa League. Legendary sporting director Monchi, who had been accused of losing his touch before this season, has obviously spent the Manchester City millions (for Negredo and Navas) wisely and a young, talented squad will largely be able to stay together for next season, possibly under quirky coach Unai Emery, and possibly not. (You know how those Sevillistas like to give a perfectly decent boss the elbow, just for the fun of it.)

Betis, as we alll know, are headed in the other direction - and fast. Ever since conceding that two-goal advantage in the Euroderbi second leg, Gaby Calderón's men have looked a little haunted, and one can't help wondering how many will really be up for a scrap this afternoon, especially as their terrier-in-chief, Lolo Reyes, is suspended. Two of the season's biggest disappointments, Nosa and Joan Verdú, are back in the squad, but their presence smacks of desperation more than a genuine tactical decision. I just hope Antonio Adán has woken up feeling lively.

I don't think there'll be much need for a separate Live Thread - just comment below if you're in the mood - and please don't expect a long match report soon after the game is finished. It's Domingo de Ramos in Seville - football, even a derbi, has to take a back seat today. Enjoy the game - and fingers crossed for some salvaged pride at least.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

The worst entry in recent years: a thousand tickets sold

Just thousand tickets have been sold and many Betis fans will not go

Players began training available at eleven thirty on the lawn of Benito Villamarín half hour before the stadium box office for those interested in purchasing tickets for the meeting opened. Despite the importance of the appointment were not many fans who dared to go through the box office. ticket price ranges between 45 and 90 euros. For the national competition, both entities they agreed that the number of seats assigned to visiting team would be 1,400. The Sevilla fans quickly exhausted localities provided by the Betis and more than one has approached the desk of Benito Villamarín with the intention of getting tickets near the usual location of the visiting supporters at Heliopolis area, but until yesterday barely They sold 1,000 tickets in total since last Tuesday Betis stadium ticket office opened. The numbers make it difficult today to see a good entry in the Villamarín, since due to the time of the meeting there is not much time to purchase tickets last minute.

Thus, the picture may be one of the worst , if not the worst in the last time, because there has been movement in the lockers we can add that many diabetics partners who have decided not to go. Some, for the team's situation. Others, Easter. And there are also those who have chosen the good time to leave for the beach. In fact, it was only lack Internet shop around to make sure the team Betis many subscribers were selling or exchanging their cards, which can influence the number of followers increased Sevilla. If things do not improve in the early hours of the day, it could be an entry of 25,000 spectators.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Betis-Sevilla: derby, between revenge or humiliation

Betis:Adan; Juanfran, Amaya, Jordi, Juan Carlos; Nono, Ndiaye; Baptistão Leo, Jorge Molina, Vadillo; and Ruben Castro.

Sevilla:Beto; Diogo, Fazio, couple, Alberto Moreno; Iborra, Mbia; Reyes, Rakitic, Vitolo; and Gameiro.

Recent derbies have always had something at stake , and it was not going to be less although presented as one of the most decaffeinated that are remembered in recent history. The last two played at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla were characterized by thrashings, but in the previous two goals Beñat were key to leave the Nervion without entering Europe after be doing many consecutive seasons. In Villamarín matches lately have had less significance, although the derby 3-3 last season was the greatest example of emotion.

Now, even though the distance between Betis and Sevilla is abysmal , there is also curiosity in this derby . A lot. Especially for Sevilla, which could give you, not mathematical, the Heliopolis, already said last week that they could not lose more games. Definitive lace Emery, who are favorites and would complete an almost perfect season against its eternal rival, only with polka dot European derby defeat. The victory of the diabetics will not be as important. Would, though, to continue to achieve this utopian options stay or at least not turn off the calculator. Also to complicate classification Sevilla for the Champions League, but mostly to make up a bit of a disastrous season. In short, the three points mean not completely trample the honor of a Centennial entity. The Betis fans deserve something positive after so many rebuke, but it is also true that Nervion try to give yet another joy to own.

And for that, both Calderón and Emery will try to put the best eleven , considering the Betic low and fatigue of Sevilla. Betis coach loses Lolo Reyes, essential to his scheme, but has many variations to replace it. Nono will the accompanying Ndiaye in midfield, but has also valued the option to strengthen midfield with some surprise to include a central pivot to form a triple. Back does have more options, but it makes sense to bet on Juanfran, Amaya, Juan Carlos and Jordi Figueras. And above, although Cedrick has been customary with him, everything indicates that Vadillo and Baptistão be in bands, with hook Molina and Ruben Castro at the tip.

In Sevilla Emery all depends on whether you want to start the rotation this week or prefer them next Sunday considering that a derby is a derby. The Nervion face a period full of matches due to the semi-final of the Europa League, so you can not always play the same. Thus, the Basque coach meditates choose an intermediate decision. Would cool some positions, but other players will still have to give him more reliability. With the goal to Beto insurance, Diogo would be for defense, Fazio, Partner and Alberto Moreno. In midfield Carriço at rest, which is not one hundred percent, and Iborra and Mbia be chosen. In the bands act Reyes and Vitolo, Rakitic being engaging and Gameiro, as a lone striker. Of course, those who go out in each team, also greatly affect the dynamics . Betis go downhill, while Sevilla are in their best time of the season.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

The last victory in the Villamarín bética was in 2006

Some similarity saves history bética last victory in a derby played in Heliopolis with preceding the current one. On April 2, 2006 came to the then named Manuel Ruiz de Lopera Sevilla released in one tournament. Just days before the team then coached by Juande Ramos had defeated Zenit St. Petersburg by four goals to one in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup ended after beating Schalke 04 in the semifinals and winning the English side Middlesbrough.

Like today, the 2005-06 season was a continental flavor in Seville . The Betis faced for the first time in its history an adventure in the Champions League after signing a few months of May and June 2005 for framing. Liverpool, Chelsea and Anderlecht were rivals Betis box in the group stage and finishing third was eliminated but at least he had the consolation to continue participating in the UEFA Cup. After removing the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar team Lorenzo Serra Ferrer fell, as has happened this season, in round knockout. Steaua Bucharest was the executioner after winning the second leg played at Heliopolis by a resounding zero to three. Betis which was without the continental candy was a team that was not going well at all in the league. The results left in charge of evidence to compile a template unable to respond positively to the challenge of three competitions. Interestingly, the European elimination did not come to him from all evil Betis that linked three positive results against Real Madrid (0-0), Racing Santander (1-0) and Villarreal (1-2) before receiving Sevilla in Betis field .

Came the derby. Missing just a week for Palm Sunday and despite the improvement in results Betis did not have anything straight with eight games to go the championship. Team Serra Ferrer was in an awkward fourteenth place with 33 points, just five more than it did the Royal Society in the relegation zone. For his part, released to Sevilla derby came from his fifth place just six points behind second-placed Real Madrid. Contreras; Melli, Juanito, Rivas, Oscar Lopez, _Arzu, Assuncao; Varela, Edu, Joaquín; Robert and eleven men were chosen to go to Mallorca technical derby from the beginning. The Brazilian Robert Betis took the lead from the spot where the first fifteen minutes was met. Saviola Argentina equalized shortly after half-time and got a great goal from Fernando Varela squad that took the lead and gave Betis Betis victory in the derby. "It was similar to the previous season also won with a goal by Oliveira," recalled the Betis goalkeeper in last home victory verdiblancos Contreras. "The derby was a big win against Sevilla Juande Ramos who was close to start winning titles," recalls Captain Betis in that quote, Juanito. Today all diabetics something expected to happen in the derby.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

The best Spanish referee, "a different game"

Carlos Velasco Carballo, the best Spanish referee, the Referee Technical Committee , will represent our country at the World Cup in Brazil and elected to arbitrate morning Seville derby last season. The Spanish Federation consider it one of the best colleges of the current scene, but what about his teammates? ABC has spoken with several colleges to know what they think of Madrid and if, somehow, agree on the analysis of the heads of the Spanish arbitration.

Tellez Sanchez, now retired, came to lead a derby, specifically the October 6, 2002. Such a meeting was held at the Sanchez Pizjuan and ended with a tie with goals from Joaquin Betis and Juanito own goal after kick Kings. The Catalan referee recalled her experience in a game of this type and praised the figure of Velasco Carballo. "I'll never forget the day that refereed the derby. since I came to the city, taking the taxi, the taxi driver started me to talk about the game. Later, at the hotel, the same ... The waiters commented me the importance of the derby for them. It was exciting. I remember, from the point of view, as one of the most beautiful experiences I've had. I sincerely believe that Velasco Carballo is the perfect judge for this type of encounter. Not only has the Federation in high esteem, but FIFA. If you ask in Europe can tell you what is best in the world. It is very rigorous. It has maintained the balance between management parties and compliance with the regulation, which many colleges, when are international so long, begin to change, be more permissive. "

Pérez Lasa retired last season after many years in the elite football. Managed several derbies, both at the Sanchez-Pizjuan as in Benito Villamarín, and spoke of the need for the referee to touch directing "such meetings" have enough experience in the top flight. "For me it's the derby excellence. Nothing like it, not even the derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona. thing that exists in a derby is not lived in any other party. I've been lucky and I have had to address many important matches, but the feeling that permeates a duel between Betis and Sevilla is absolutely different. It got me goosebumps. I must admit. Is not taken into account the classification of the teams, pride is played half of the city and that makes for the referee also be a tough game. I think the referee should know also control emotions there from outside, who can handle the pressure and has enough experience, "stressed when assessing the derby tomorrow.

Mejuto González was international referee for many years and had to direct encounters extremely important, but also speaks of the Seville derby as special. Velasco Carballo believes that is the right referee for the derby tomorrow. "What you feel in the city of Seville with a derby is to live it. The first time that I had to run a game of this type I found amazing . And I do not speak only of the experiences in the game, but what is also breathes before. From the airport you arrive everyone will talk about that game. Therefore I think the referee to direct the derby must have some experience in high voltage matches. Velasco Carballo assumes that you are prepared. It is our representative in the World. imagine if there is trust or not in their arbitration, "the Spaniard explained to this newspaper.

Rafa Guerrero , one of the most popular since it was a colossal mistake by Zaragoza-Barcelona 1996 attendees, did not hesitate to qualify as the best Spanish referee right now, "Carlos is one of the five best referees in Europe. I say so clearly. If you ask for others as well I'm not so sure. But this gives everything becomes easier. Controls matches very well. Something positive has had throughout his career is that, being Madrid, is not allowed to arbitrate to Real Madrid, and that gives weight and quiet. trust that go unnoticed in the derby. "

A more veteran referee Pérez Sánchez, led a derby that ended with some controversy. It happened on September 30, 1990, in a game that Sevilla won 0-3 at Betis stadium. "I remember a few minutes later I noted a penalty of Sevilla. And there the game was a little confusing. It is a game unlike anything. It breathes football. The atmosphere is great and also the referee is a different game. always talk about that for a referee all matches must be equal. That is true. But when you retire you will always remain in the memory the feelings you had in the Seville derby. Velasco Carballo is the perfect judge for this meeting. The derby is much derby and it's true that you can be complicated if you have no luck with any stupid move. But remember that Velasco is our man in the World Cup in Brazil. Therefore, we speak of an international referee and able to learn to control a meeting like the derby size. He has acquired over time a major aplomb, that pause is needed in this type of games to be controlled almost everything. Sure knows how to overcome the external environment and make a good global arbitration. "

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Real Betis head into today’s fourth derby of the season ten points from safety in La Liga, keen to avenge their Europa League exit and also to give the Benito Villamarín crowd something to cheer about. Sevilla won’t be looking to show their city rivals any mercy though, as they seek an important three points, that could push them closer to fourth position and the final Champions League spot.

Real Betis - Sevilla

Real Betis : Adán; Juanfran, Amaya, Jordi, Juan Carlos; Vadillo, N’Diaye, Nono; Molina, Baptistão, Rubén Castro.

Subs: Sara, Chica, Paulao, Verdú, Braian Rodríguez, Nosa, Cedrick.


Sevilla: Beto; Diogo, Carriço, Fazio, Alberto Moreno; Reyes, Mbia, Iborra, Trochowski; Gameiro, Bacca.

Subs: Varas, Navarro, Marin, Rakitic, Jairo, Pareja, Coke.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Real Betis 0-2 Sevilla

Real Betis made a bright start to the derby, but couldn’t make the most of good chances in the opening moments. A penalty scored by Gameiro for Sevilla and a red card for Juan Carlos, gave the home side a mountain to climb and from there and though they battled, they couldn’t recover. Gameiro finally secured the points for Sevilla, inside the final ten minutes with his second strike of the game.

Real Betis set out full of purpose in the opening moments of the game, pushing Sevilla on the back foot. Jordi couldn’t hit the target with a well positioned free-kick, then in the third minute, Nono smashed a shot towards goal, but Fazio managed to get in the way and deflect it clear. Two penalty shouts came next for Betis, as both Baptistao and Molina went down inside the Sevilla area, but neither achieving a favourable decision from referee Velasco Carballo.

As the game began to open up more, Sevilla also began to push forward on the counter, but reaching the final third, either couldn’t show precision or their route to goal was blocked by stout Betis defending.

Betis were the more dangerous looking side going forward and in the 21st minute, Rubén Castro had a good opportunity, but after shaping to shoot, his shot sailed just over the crossbar. Sevilla looked like they were struggling to prevent crosses from the Betis flanks, which were also proving difficult to clear in the centre of defence. The home side maintained another good spell of pressure, Juanfran sent in another good cross from the right, but Vadillo arriving on the far post, couldn’t make the right connection with the finish.

Controversy in the next action of the game, as Sevilla attacked. In the 27th minute, Juan Carlos challenged Bacca in the Betis area, the Colombian striker went to ground and the referee pointed straight to the spot. A furious Juan Carlos was also shown a straight red card for being the last man, but had every reason to feel indignant, as he made contact with the ball and the decision, debatable. After continued protests, eventually it was Gameiro who struck Sevilla into the lead from the spot.

With the extra man and the lead now, Sevilla looked to take full control of the game, but though it was a struggle, Betis managed to hold them back. By the 40th minute though and looking to shore things up at the back, Calderón sacrificed Vadillo for Chica from the bench.

Just before the interval, Alberto Moreno was involved in a crunch with Rubén Castro, as the pair challenged for the ball. Ultimately, the Sevilla youngster couldn’t continue and he had to be replaced by Navarro.

During the break, Sevilla made a second change as Trochowski was replaced by Vitolo. Still open as a contest, Betis mounted some promising attacks early in the second-half, but couldn’t find the telling pass or shot when they reached the final third of the pitch.

Seemingly content to let Betis do the running, the next chance in the 54th minute, came when Sevilla countered in typical fashion. Gameiro forced through an effort on goal, but was denied by a good save from Adán. When Betis tried to mount any attacks, they weren’t getting anywhere, certainly not when trying through the middle, with Fazio in imperious form in the heart of the Sevilla defence.

A knock spelled the end of the game for Baptistao on the hour mark and Betis had to shuffle their pack once more, with Cedrick his replacement. Two great chances then came for Sevilla to kill the game, first with Vitolo clean through, then Carriço with a header, but both times denied once more by attentive goalkeeping from Adán.

Betis weren’t out of the game yet and Rubén Castro had a chance from the tightest of angles, but enough to squeeze off a shot in the 65th minute, forcing Beto to palm the ball out for a corner at his near post. A moment later though, perhaps Sevilla should have had another penalty, when Betis defender Amaya looked to have handled the ball inside his area. A few seconds of indecision from referee Velasco Carballo, who then decided there was nothing to punish.

As the game opened up even more, play swinging from one direction to the other, Gameiro couldn’t break the Betis offside trap on two occasions as Sevilla attacked with purpose, then Rubén Castro had two good chances, the first on the volley and denied by a crucial intervention from Diogo, then the second a powerful strike in the 70th minute, well saved by Beto.

Sevilla made their third and final change in the 73rd minute, with Rakitic on for Bacca. Betis followed suit with their final throw of the dice in the 77th minute, as Braian Rodríguez replaced Juanfran, arguably the best player on the day for the home side, but exhausted for all his efforts.

Into the final ten minutes and whilst Betis still sought a way back, Sevilla were still looking dangerous on the counter. In the 82nd minute, that danger brought the nail in the coffin, as Reyes and Diogo crafted an opening, with a final ball towards the far-post, Gameiro losing his marker and getting on the end of an easy finish.

Betis were a beaten side, but still they tried to restore some pride, though neither Cedrick from a free-kick, nor Rodríguez with a weak effort on goal, could find the home side a way back into the game. A good Sevilla counter lead byGameiro, almost brought the third goal for the visitors, but Reyes couldn’t find the finish with his weaker foot. Into stoppage time, Rubén Castro had an opportunity to score a consolation for Betis, but his shot was easily dealt with by Beto.

Another harsh derby result for Betis and certainly more reason for them to be unhappy with the match officials. With five games left, fifteen points to play for and still ten points away from safety, their quest for survival now seems an impossible mission. Sevilla nudge themselves closer to 4th place and their dream of finishing in the final Champions League spot, still very much alive.


Real Betis 0-2 Sevilla

Referee: Velasco Carballo

Real Betis XI: Adán; Juanfran (77′), Amaya, Jordi, Juan Carlos; Baptistao (60′), Nono, N’Diaye, Vadillo (40′); Molina, Rubén Castro.

Subs: Chica (40′), Cedrick (60′), Braian Rodríguez (77′)

Yellow Cards: N’Diaye (4′), Juan Carlos (27′ red), Rubén Castro (30′), Baptistao (57′), Chica (61′)

Sevilla XI: Beto; Diogo, Carriço, Fazio, Alberto Moreno (45′); Trochowski (46′), Mbia, Iborra, Reyes; Gameiro, Bacca (73′).

Goals: Gameiro (30′ pen, 81′)

Subs: Navarro (45′), Vitolo (46′), Rakitic (73′)

Yellow Cards: Trochowski (13′), Vitolo (55′)

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Emery: Calderón has all my encouragement, he’s a true gentleman

Sevilla manager Unai Emery acknowledged that Real Betis made the game very difficult for his side, even when they went down to ten men, whilst also praising the gentlemanly conduct of rival manager, Gabriel Calderón.

Following the 0-2 derby victory at the Benito Villamarín, in his post-match press conference, Sevilla manager Unai Emery spoke of what a difficult encounter it had been, despite his side having played against the ten men of Real Betis for over an hour, acknowledging that the penalty was a turning point in the game, but also that the craft of his players in the move leading up to that, had been instrumental.

“It was a tough game in that at the start, they pushed us back to defend and we couldn’t take control. Not of the ball, nor making the most of spaces to push them back. With that difficulty, we’ve had to suffer. Then we got the only clear chance with a collective move and then the individual ability of Bacca. That was decisive. We’ve had to suffer to get the game where we wanted it.”

“Playing with an extra man and the one-goal lead, it was still an uphill struggle. Even with that, Betis made a big push and made things difficult for us, though we know how to compete, go through difficult moments and take our opportunities. I have to congratulate Betis for their efforts and their manager for doing such a good job with them.”

As for Sevilla’s aspirations of reaching fourth place and the Champions League, Emery insisted that his side just have to remain focused and make the most of their remaining games, to keep pressure on Athletic Club Bilbao, who will also need to drop points.

“We’re on 56 points now, we’re fifth, but there’s still five games to go. All we’re thinking about now, is next weekend’s game against Granada, because we’re not depending entirely on ourselves. We have to do our own things well, but now we have two days to disconnect and then we’ll get back hard into training on Wednesday. We’re in the best stage of the season and if we keep working hard, we can enjoy it.”

Questioned for his thoughts about the actions of match referee, Velasco Carballo, Emery was a little more on the fence than his Real Betis counterpart, Gabriel Calderón.

“It’s a difficult play for the referee to call and know how to manage such a situation, but you also have to put yourself in his shoes. There were a couple of fouls that were borderline cards and he had to hold back. He wanted to appease, calm things down and bring order to the game. Without saying more, these are things that can happen out there on the pitch and he’s punished strong tackles.”

Finally, Emery was full of praise for rival manager Calderón, who he holds in the highest of regards.

“I thought he was a true gentleman when he congratulated me after the Europa League match and he’s shown a lot of integrity at such a difficult time. That’s something I value highly and from what I see on the outside, he has the ability to stay strong, in what is such a difficult situation. He has all my encouragement.”

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lvr...layer_embedded

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: Real Betis-Sevilla

I've waited almost 12 hours to try and feel like writing something about this morning's game, and frankly I still don't, but it happened and it needs reporting, so here goes.

And to be honest, we might as well just skip past the first 28 minutes - which Betis dominated without really looking likely to score - and go straight to the key moment. Making their first break upfield, Sevilla opened up the Betis defence and Colombian striker Bacca was just about to shoot when Juan Carlos (playing left-back) stretched out a leg to push the ball away. Penalty and red card according to ref Carlos Velasco Carballo and precisely no-one else. (Even Unai Emery all but confessed it was a stupid decision later.) The Betis players and fans went absolutely bananas - there were even chants for the team to leave the pitch in protest - but not so much for this one terrible decision as the countless similar ones that have preceeded it this season. (Remember Javi Chica's penalty against Villareal? This one was almost identical.) Gameira made not mistake from the penalty spot.

So, an hour left and down to 10 men? Well, a better team might have shrugged off the disadvantage, especially as Seville looked to be feeling the effects of Thursday night's exertions, but this Betis simply don't have enough class to compete in these kinds of situations. It was game over and although the players tried their best - to the point that it was almost exhausting watching them - Beto's net was never seriously threatened and a Sevilla breakaway goal was always more likely than an equaliser. The killer blow arrived with 10 minutes to go and triggered a mass, very understandable exit.

A Betis twitter account - @BetisStats - is running a straw poll as to whether all the terrible decisions we've suffered t his season have been "premeditated" or "involuntary mistakes". The voting is currently 39:1 in favour of the former, but it's worth pointing out that today's referee was just plain bad. Sevilla had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside, Mr Velasco Carballo clearly chickened out of giving a deserved second yellow card to Alfred N'Diaye and, perhaps worst of all, he failed to stop play for a clash of heads so serious that Fazio needed two bandages to soak up the blood and Baptistao collapsed from concussion. As Gaby Calderón pointed out afterward, the standard of officiating was an embarrassment to Spanish football.

You don't need me to tell you where this leaves Betis - up the creek without a paddle, basically - but there was at least one high point of the morning. The gigantic tifo (banner) organised by the Betisweb site to hang across the Fondo stand was simply gorgeous, portraying riverside Calle Betis in Seville above the words: "A river, a street, a city, a universal feeling." Sadly, right now this universal feeling is something like "outrage".

Betis: Adán; Juanfran (Braian, m. 76), Amaya, Jordi, Juan Carlos; Nono, Ndiaye; Leo Baptistao (Cedrick, m. 59), Rubén Castro, Vadillo (Chica, m. 40); Jorge Molina.

Goals: 0-1, m. 29: Gameiro, de penalti. 0-2, m. 81: Gameiro.

Attendance: 32, 254