The tide has turned in Sevilla, as Sevilla FC have now overtaken Real Betis in the La Liga table for the first time in two and a half years, after 95 matchdays in total.
In a dramatic turnaround, Sevilla’s morale rose thanks to a last-minute goal from Lukebakio which secured an unexpected three points against Girona at Montilivi. That joy was amplified by Alavés’ victory over Betis at the Benito Villamarín, allowing Sevilla to maintain a comfortable seven-point lead in the relegation zone while taking pride over their eternal rivals after a long period of struggle.
The mood changed significantly with the arrival of 2025, as Sevilla appeared to collapse once again while Betis got drunk on hopes surrounding the Copa del Rey. A humiliating defeat at Almería had heightened tensions within Sevilla, even putting coach García Pimienta under pressure – a coach who had until then been spared criticism over the season’s disillusionment. Things didn’t seem to get better in the next match against Valencia until a goal from Pedrosa in the final minutes saved a draw. However, a life-saving victory against Girona, buoyed by Betis’ woes, marked a crucial turning point.
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As the saying goes, “he who laughs at his neighbor’s misfortune will soon end up knowing his own”, which, in football, often turns out to be true and even necessary. So Sevilla’s wounds began to heal when the Copa del Rey draw put Betis facing Barcelona in a knockout match in Catalonia. The healing process accelerated with Betis’ defeat against bottom-placed Valladolid, while the final blow was delivered by Barcelona’s convincing victory and Alavés’ triumph against Betis.
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Despite trailing Betis for 95 days, Sevilla managed to capture a Europa League title, while Betis reveled in their victories, enduring much while Sevilla struggled after years of near-dominance. Now, however, for at least a week, there is reason to celebrate at Nervión, as Sevilla, mired in various worries – from ownership issues to salary caps – find themselves top of Betis, who are facing restructuring financial and the promise of new recruits under the leadership of Pellegrini, Isco and Lo Celso.
In Nervión, the idea of abandoning a localized league narrative was predominant, although never entirely truthful, especially when ambitions were high rather than entrenched as they currently are. Today, the greatest joys for Sevilla fans can only come from the fierce rivalry with their eternal enemies. Meanwhile, despite higher ambitions, the same goes for Betis.
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