Betis's 'New King' Pablo Fornals led his team to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sevilla in the 144th derby, marking their first victory at home since 2018. The match was delayed by 20 minutes after objects were thrown onto the pitch, and it took an emotional atmosphere for Betis to seize the moment.
Fornals' stunning goal from a sweeping run down the flank set up the win, and he later praised his teammates and fans, saying: "There is no A team and no B team. We have been able to take that weight off our shoulders... This is a real high."
The match was marred by controversy, with Sevilla's goalkeeper, Odysseas Vlachodimos, facing criticism for his performance after conceding two goals. However, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini remained calm, saying: "Every time we made a big mistake, we had to kick off again."
The win marked a significant turning point for the team, with several key players missing due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Antony and Isco, who was watching from home after being booed by fans, added to the drama.
Sevilla's coach, MatΓas Almeyda, acknowledged that his team had been outplayed, saying: "We made a mistake in a derby... When you make a mistake in a derby, anyone can collapse. There's a desperation to show passion without thinking."
The result has left Betis atop the table, with a 2-0 win over Sevilla. Their strength in depth and ability to adapt to adversity have been highlighted as key factors in their success.
As for Fornals, he has cemented his status as one of La Liga's top players, with a goal that will be remembered for years to come. He praised his teammates, saying: "So to score and win, well, me, my teammates, all those lunatics up there and back home, you can imagine how happy we are."
The 'New King' has arrived in Seville, and Betis fans can now look forward to more victories at home.
Fornals' stunning goal from a sweeping run down the flank set up the win, and he later praised his teammates and fans, saying: "There is no A team and no B team. We have been able to take that weight off our shoulders... This is a real high."
The match was marred by controversy, with Sevilla's goalkeeper, Odysseas Vlachodimos, facing criticism for his performance after conceding two goals. However, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini remained calm, saying: "Every time we made a big mistake, we had to kick off again."
The win marked a significant turning point for the team, with several key players missing due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Antony and Isco, who was watching from home after being booed by fans, added to the drama.
Sevilla's coach, MatΓas Almeyda, acknowledged that his team had been outplayed, saying: "We made a mistake in a derby... When you make a mistake in a derby, anyone can collapse. There's a desperation to show passion without thinking."
The result has left Betis atop the table, with a 2-0 win over Sevilla. Their strength in depth and ability to adapt to adversity have been highlighted as key factors in their success.
As for Fornals, he has cemented his status as one of La Liga's top players, with a goal that will be remembered for years to come. He praised his teammates, saying: "So to score and win, well, me, my teammates, all those lunatics up there and back home, you can imagine how happy we are."
The 'New King' has arrived in Seville, and Betis fans can now look forward to more victories at home.