We are officially relegated

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Going Down, Going Down,

This evening's 1-0 victory for Getafe over Málaga confirms what we've more than suspected for some time now...that Real Betis will be playing in the so-called Liga Adelante for 2014/15. Relegated before the end of April - that says it all, really.

To be honest, though, it doesn't hurt nearly as much as it could do. That's partly because we've had so long to get used to the idea, but also from knowing that next season is bound to be more fun than this one. A clean slate; a bunch of keen, young, home-grown players; a new coach...the only way is up, isn't it? We'll be back.

[Verdiblanco de Holanda]

Re: We are officially relegated

Real Betis relegated without even playing following Getafe’s win over Malaga

Getafe managed to pull out an improbable 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday afternoon, earning three points and moving out of the relegation zone, but also catching Real Betis with their collateral damage by mathematically relegating the Andalusian side to the Segunda Division before they could even play their match against Real Sociedad later that evening.

Real Betis were hoping that Getafe would drop points and they could earn three of the remaining 12 points left in play as a last gasp chance of saving their season, but the team who was last relegated in 2008-09, were unable to stay alive after their historic 2012-13 season, which saw them qualify for the Europa League.

This season, Real Betis have amassed 22 losses, seven draws and only five wins, after finishing seventh last season under Pepe Mel.

Despite Mel’s brilliance in leading the team back to the Primera in 2009, he was unable to sustain their level of play and was sacked by the board in December.

Betis then hired Juan Carlo Garrido, who put the club even further in despair, costing the jobs of the board and president Miguel Guillen as well.

The new board and president then chose Gabriel Calderon and while the Argentine has made progress, he was unable to reverse the seemingly irreparable damage done before his hiring.

Meanwhile, the Real Betis fans, who are arguably the best in La Liga, will need to will their team back to prominence as they attempt to do as Villarreal have done and make their trip to the Segunda a brief one.