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October 7, 2024
The fierce rivalry between Real Betis and Sevilla FC is a defining feature of Spanish football.
The teams from the Andalusian capital have clashed 116 times in La Liga across the top two divisions. This derby, steeped in tradition and passion, has divided loyalties and families within Seville for over a century.
The roots of this storied rivalry can be traced back to the late 19th century, when organized football first took hold in Seville, influenced heavily by British culture. The first football club in the city was established in 1890, while Sevilla FC was founded in 1905. Real Betis Balompié emerged two years later, setting the stage for a competitive and colorful local rivalry.
Both clubs participated in various competitions in the early days, including the Copa de Sevilla, the Copa del Duque de Santo Mauro, the Andalusian Championship, and the Southern Regional Championship. They later became founding members of La Liga’s second tier, with Real Betis securing victories in both encounters during the inaugural 1928/29 season—winning 3-0 away and 2-1 at home.
Real Betis made history by being the first to earn promotion to the top flight. They clinched their only La Liga Santander title in the 1934/35 season. This memorable title run included a pivotal 3-0 win at Sevilla FC’s Nervión Stadium late in the campaign. Sevilla FC, in turn, claimed their first title in 1945/46. However, they could not secure a derby win that season, as Real Betis had slipped back to the second tier by then.
El Gran Derbi’s enduring legacy reflects both clubs’ rich history and passionate fanbases, making it one of Spanish football’s most eagerly awaited matches.
The two teams have faced each other an impressive 116 times in La Liga across the top two divisions, with a notable trend of players and fans celebrating thrilling victories on their rivals’ home turf. Real Betis made a splash by defeating Sevilla FC 4-2 during the opening celebration of the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán in 1958, only for Sevilla FC to exact their revenge with a commanding 4-1 away victory the following year. More recently,
Real Betis achieved a thrilling 5-3 win in January 2018 at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, marking the highest-scoring derby in La Liga history and leaving fans on edge. Last season, Sevilla FC triumphed in both league encounters. Still, Real Betis had the last laugh by eliminating their fierce rivals in the Copa del Rey en route to claiming the prestigious trophy.
A standout moment in derby history occurred during the Round of 16 for the 2013–14 Europa League, when Sevilla FC fought back to level the aggregate score at 2-2 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. This showcasing the intense rivalry between the two clubs. They ultimately advanced by winning 4-3 on penalties, kicking off a remarkable streak of three consecutive trophy wins for the club.
Over the years, only nine players have donned the colors of both clubs in El Gran Derbi, starting with defender Joaquín Jiménez Postigo, who earned a La Liga Santander winners’ medal with both teams during his illustrious career. Notably, tough defender Diego Rodríguez switched across the rivalry in 1988, further highlighting the competitive spirit between the two sides. Luis Aragonés, who famously coached Spain to victory in Euro 2008, played for Real Betis for three seasons and later managed both clubs, bridging the divide with his deep connections to the region.
Local talent has also been central to this fierce rivalry, with club captains Jesús Navas of Sevilla FC and Joaquín of Real Betis emerging from their respective academies. As stalwarts for their teams, Navas and Joaquín have each made over 20 and 30 derby appearances, further solidifying their legacies in this iconic fixture. Their dedication and passion for their clubs resonate deeply with fans, embodying the spirit of El Gran Derbi and ensuring that this rivalry remains one of the most captivating in Spanish football history.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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