The Seville derby delivered an electrifying atmosphere on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as Real Betis triumphed over their arch-rivals Sevilla FC with a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. This win not only marks a significant moment for Betis but also breaks a long-standing drought against Sevilla in league encounters, as they had not secured a win in the last 12 meetings in Spain's top flight.
Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis came into the match sitting sixth in La Liga with 47 points, while Sevilla was positioned 11th with 36 points. The stakes were high, and both teams were eager to claim bragging rights in this fierce rivalry.
From the outset, the match showcased the intensity expected of a derby. Sevilla struck first in the 28th minute when Rubén Vargas found the back of the net with a precise right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Dodi Lukébakio. The early lead put pressure on Betis, but they responded quickly.
Just minutes later, in the 36th minute, Johnny Cardoso leveled the score for Betis with a well-placed shot from the center of the box, capitalizing on a setup from Youssouf Sabaly. The home crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted in favor of the Green and Whites.
Real Betis continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 63rd minute when Cucho Hernández scored the decisive goal, a right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Isco. This goal not only secured the win but also sent the fans into a frenzy, marking an important milestone for the team.
Throughout the match, Real Betis displayed a more aggressive approach, registering 11 total shots compared to Sevilla's 6, and they managed to put 3 of those on target. Sevilla, despite their strong start, could only muster 2 shots on target from their 6 attempts.
Defensively, both teams faced challenges. Betis committed 10 fouls and received 3 yellow cards, while Sevilla was more aggressive, committing 22 fouls and also receiving 3 yellow cards. Notable bookings included Isco and Adrián for Betis, and Saúl Ñíguez for Sevilla, among others.
In terms of possession, the match stats revealed that Real Betis had 500 total passes with an impressive accuracy of 434 passes, while Sevilla managed 395 passes with 315 accurate passes. This dominance in possession was crucial for Betis, allowing them to control the tempo of the game.
As the match drew to a close, both teams continued to fight for every ball, with Sevilla looking to equalize. However, Betis’ defense held firm, clearing 23 balls and winning 50 duels throughout the match. The final whistle confirmed the 2-1 victory for Real Betis, sending their supporters into celebrations.
This victory represents a significant turning point for Pellegrini's side, who have been in good form recently, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. The team is now firmly in contention for European qualification, eyeing a place in next season's UEFA competitions.
For Sevilla, this loss is a setback, but they remain nine points clear of the relegation zone. Manager García Pimienta will need to regroup his squad as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the Seville derby has once again proven why it is one of the most anticipated fixtures in Spanish football. With the rivalry reignited, fans can expect more intense clashes in the future as both teams strive for supremacy in Andalusia.
