Match reports

2-1: SEVILLA FC WIN AND DOMINATE ANOTHER DERBY

27/02/2022

Rakitić scored the opener with a penalty, before Munir made it 2-0. Canales scored a consolation at the end

A spectacular effort, commitment and game that Sevilla played at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Sunday afternoon against Real Betis who were never in the game against the Sevilla side. From the start of the game Julen Lopetegui’s side were absolutely dominant and not even a goal from Canales in the last minute could threaten the Sevilla win. Rakitic from the penalty spot scored in a game that Sevilla dominated completely. Real Betis, almost without a response failed to get back into the game after half time, failing to match the effort of the Sevilla team.

From the first whistle in the second half Sevilla dominated. They had the greater share of the possession both offensively and defensively without ever letting up and always threatening Claduio Baravo’s goals throughout the opening stages of the first half. Jesús Navas had a dangerous chance six minutes into the second half after a cross from the right after good play with Tecatito. One minute later it was En-Nesyri who had an attempt again with a shot against the visiting goalkeeper, who had to keep of the Moroccan. Sevilla the had three consecutive corner kicks that put on the pressure on Betis, completely putting them on the back foot.

Munir, who came on for the injured Papu Gómez, slotted home the second after Rakitić successfully converted from the penalty spot.

Having had various chances to score, the first goal would come at the 24th minute mark. After some great work from Tecatito, En-Nesyri found himself through on goal with only Bravo to beat. Initially, not controlling the ball how he would've wanted, the striker was able to find his feet at the right moment and meet the his loose control before the goalkeeper, who would trip En-Nesyri and subsequently gift Sevilla a penalty. Rakitić stepped up to slot home and open the scoring. Unfortunately, Sevilla would once again have to look to the bench to replace the injured Papu Gómez. Coming on his place would be Munir who soon after found the back of the net. The half-Spanish half-Moroccan took advantage of Bono's goal kick and a mistake made from the Betis defence to send the ball underneath the goalkeeper and doubling Sevilla's lead before the break.

Once again, Sevilla were back making substitutes to cater for the injured players, this time, Diego Carlos. Carlos, who went off the field injured against Zagreb, couldn't carry on. Pelligrini was also forced to make some changes as both Ruibal and Joaquín came on for Carvalho and Fekir. Now in the second half, Sevilla gave the ball away to Betis who were sent on the counter attack and who were looking to pull a goal back. Now entering into the Sevilla half, Bartra took a shot from just outside the area that would flash wide to Bono's left. Now in the 60th minute, Bono was this time called into action after Tello's shot nearly found the top corner but Bono was on hand to prevent a Betis comeback. Lopetegui's boys were now back on top, mounting attacks in the opposition's half but not managing to trouble Bravo.

Álex Moreno had a good chance in the last ten minutes, which Bono sent over. Julen made the last change of the game, bringing on Rafa Mir and Augustinsson for En-Nesyri and Acuña who both received a standing ovation. Canales, in the last minute of the game, sent in a free-kick which halved the deficit, but it would only serve as a consolation. 54 points for Sevilla FC as we win another derby and keep the distance with Madrid.

GAME SUMMARY

2. SEVILLA FC: Bono, Jesús Navas, Fernando, Diego Carlos (Gudelj, 46'), Acuña (Augustinsson, 80'), Delaney, Jordán (Ó. Torres, 75'), Rakitic, Tecatito, Papu Gómez (Munir, 29') and En-Nesyri (Rafa Mir, 80').

1. REAL BETIS: Bravo, Bellerín, Bartra, Víctor Ruiz, Álex Moreno, Guido Rodríguez (Paul, 76'), Carvalho (Aitor Ruibal, 46'), Canales, Tello, Fekir (Joaquín, 46') and Borja Iglesias (Willian José, 70').

GOALS: 1-0 Rakitic (penalty), 24'. 2-0 Munir, 41'. 2-1 Canales, 93'.

REFEREE: Del Cerro Grande. Yellows for Jordán, Canales, Acuña, Bono, Guido Rodríguez, Aitor Ruibal and Augustinsson.