Sevilla are ready for their big derby. Nervión and Heliópolis face each other off right before the Andalucía Day. No doubt that this is one of the most historical games in Spanish football. Football is lived with very excitement at the capital city of Andalucía and mostly in the entire community, but the importance and intensity increase when the match between Sevilla and Betis comes up.
However, the return to the competition of the ‘Verdiblancos’ in the last few years has turned into a bigger attraction towards the derby. It is true that they lacked of certain regularity, but the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini to the Benito Villamarín polished all those aspects that prevented them from keeping an optimal level.
On the other hand, Sevilla has been able to take a step forward in LaLiga. Maybe the ‘Hispalenses’ were forced to end up 4th in the table. However, under Julen Lopetegui they are able to participate in the race of the title and in the current season to battle what it seems to be the only candidate: Real Madrid.
We are definitely ahead of way more than a derby if we go beyond the overall characteristics and we focus on what has happened so far in the current season.
Both entities enjoy of a spectacular momentum and their performances are on verge of the excellence. Furthermore, Sevilla and Betis are close to accomplish the set goals from back in August and have beautiful and ambitious goals ahead of them like a European final at home or at the eternal rival’s.
This is a game of uncertainty due to some external circumstances such as, for example, the ballast that provoke the multiple important injuries, specially on Nervión’s side. This must be added to the Spanish Cup semifinal between Betis and Rayo Vallecano. In the ned we are talking about an attractive option to lift a trophy.
But when you represent the shield of Sevilla or Betis there is nothing like the motivation that generates the ‘Great Derby’ and its atmosphere. This way, sparing efforts in such a game is not allowed, as both teams give it all.
For the fans this game is a blessed gift, no matter if they support Sevilla, Betis or are neutral. We are expecting 90 minutes full of energy, tension and, overall, good football. And who knows, but hopefully this is not the last derby they play this season at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.
Main image: Edit José Manuel Calviño.