La Liga English

Confortable 2-0 win for Sevilla over Betis on return of La Liga

Top-flight football made a most welcome comeback in Spain on Wednesday night with the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis in Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with the former securing a relatively comfortable 2-0 win at home. This match was supposed to be the big test of how football in the “new normal” would be without fans in the stands and after an agonising three-month break.

It was a bit surreal as echoes were heard reverberating around the stadium, which of course would normally be packed to the rafters for a derby like this in Spain.

It was a benevolently cool evening in Seville as both sides maintained their levels at a surprisingly high pace on, with Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos able to create a clear cut chance in the first half as he thrashed a shot against the post.

The second half saw Sevilla picking up the pace and take the lead from the penalty spot after Betis defender Marc Bartra was penalized for a push on Sevilla forward Luuk de Jong following a corner in the 54th minute.

Ocampos promptly sent Betis keeper Joel the wrong way from the spot to put his side ahead. He then demonstrated that he was not bulls and balls when he played a big part in his side’s second goal with a deliciously wicked and brilliantly-executed back-heel, flicking the ball over Betis’ defenders, enabling Fernando to head home from close range following a corner.

Betis ultimately struggled to produce much of a response in the deciding half despite using all five substitutes. With this win, Sevilla strengthened their place in third in the La Liga table.

With Munir and Marc Batra both suffering muscle injuries on a relatively cold night and teams due to play every three days, many in Spain will be wondering how many injuries the coming weeks will produce.