In a fiercely contested 132nd Gran Derbi, Sevilla claimed their 50th victory over city rivals Real Betis at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, extending their unbeaten derby run to 12 games. The hosts delivered a determined performance, celebrating another sweet derby triumph with a 1-0 win that echoed their dominance over the years. This victory strengthens Sevilla’s hold on the city of Seville, adding to their impressive unbeaten home record in the Gran Derbi since January 2018.
Sevilla’s Early Dominance
The match began with both teams eager to gain the upper hand. Sevilla, playing with the confidence from a historic success run, almost took the lead in the opening 10 minutes. Chidera Ejuke found the back of the net with a close-range strike, but Sevilla’s celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up. This early scare seemed to spark Betis into life, as Giovanni Lo Celso and Vitor Roque tested Sevilla’s goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland with successive attempts. Nyland, however, was alert, making crucial saves to keep the scoreline intact.
Despite Real Betis’ efforts to break down Sevilla’s backline, Los Nervionenses looked unfazed, controlling the tempo as the first half progressed. Sevilla manager Francisco García Pimienta appeared frustrated with his side’s inability to break through Betis’ defensive setup, but the game remained evenly poised as the teams headed into halftime.
A Second-Half Twist: Lukebakio’s Decisive Moment
The second half began more intense, and Sevilla was given a golden opportunity to take control of the game. Just minutes after the restart, Real Betis defender Diego Llorente’s handball inside the box gave Sevilla a crucial penalty. Dodi Lukebakio, with the weight of the derby on his shoulders, stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.
This was a turning point for Sevilla, as it marked the first time in five competitive derby meetings that they had scored the opener. With Betis now forced to chase the game, manager Manuel Pellegrini made tactical changes, introducing fresh faces to reignite his side’s attack. However, the Verdiblancos struggled, barely threatening Nyland’s goal despite controlling possession in patches.
Sevilla Holds Firm Amid Late Drama
As the final quarter of the match approached, Sevilla began to miss some clear-cut chances to seal the victory. Lukebakio, fresh from his penalty heroics, had multiple opportunities to double his tally but could not convert. However, Sevilla’s defense remained steadfast, holding Real Betis at bay.
The game saw some late drama when Tanguy Nianzou was sent off for a clumsy challenge in the dying minutes. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sevilla held on, ensuring a memorable derby win that further cemented their dominance over Real Betis.
Sevilla’s Unyielding Derby Record
Sevilla remains unbeaten in their last seven home derbies against Real Betis with this victory. Their 12 games without defeat in the Gran Derbi stretch back to September 2018, underscoring their supremacy in the Seville rivalry. This season’s third league win provides a morale boost for Francisco García Pimienta’s men as they continue their push for European football.
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Conclusion
Sevilla’s 50th Gran Derbi victory over Real Betis marks another chapter in their historic rivalry. With Dodi Lukebakio’s penalty the decisive moment, Sevilla held on to secure a narrow yet significant win. The match showcased Sevilla’s resilience and unwavering dominance over their local rivals, leaving Real Betis to continue their search for answers in this ever-intense fixture. For fans and bettors alike, the Gran Derbi remains one of football’s most exciting encounters. For Kenyan fans looking to capitalize on the action, BangSports is the ideal platform to elevate your experience!