News
DOM 06.10.2024
ELGRAN DERBI between Real Betis and Sevilla FC is one of the most passionate and exciting in Spain and in Europe. The love for both club’s colours is remarkably strong amongst not only fans but players too. Here are just a few of the most iconic players the derby has seen over the years.
Joaquín (Real Betis, 2000-2006 and 2015-2023)
There is nobody who represents Real Betis quite like Joaquín. Not only was he the captain of the club for many years, but he’s a supporter of and a shareholder at Real Betis as well. He played in some epic derby matches over the years, but his most special one might just be the first meeting of the 2018/19 season when he came off the bench to score the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time, provoking absolute delirium in the stands.
José Antonio Reyes (Sevilla FC, 2000-2004 and 2012-2016)
Reyes was to Sevilla FC fans what Joaquín was to the Real Betis faithful. He was one of their own, having come through the Sevilla FC academy and having gone on to star in some special derby moments. The winger, who died in a tragic road accident in June 2019, remains the leading scorer in 21st century derbies. He played in 17 city derbies for Sevilla FC throughout his career, notching eight wins, seven draws and just two defeats.
Beto (Sevilla FC, 2013-2016)
One of the derbies in which Reyes scored was the 2013/14 Europa League last 16 meeting between these two foes. Real Betis had won the first leg 2-0 at Sevilla FC’s Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán before goals from Reyes and Carlos Bacca levelled the aggregate score and took the game to penalties. Step forward goalkeeper Beto to become an ELGRAN DERBI legend. The Portuguese saved two penalties in the shootout as Sevilla FC went on to win that year’s Europa League. Of all their Europa League triumphs it might just have been the sweetest: they’d defeated their rivals along the way!
Sergio Canales (Real Betis, 2018-2023)
Sergio Canales only played in 11 derbies in all competitions for Real Betis, but he scored three key goals. One helped Los Verdiblancos to win the Copa del Rey meeting between these two sides in 2021/22, when Real Betis won 2-1 and ultimately went on to win the tournament.
Frédéric Kanouté (Sevilla FC, 2005-2012)
The French-born Mali international is an all-time great at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, and one of the most iconic figures of the Sevilla FC side which won the club’s first two UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues (2006, 2007) and two Copas del Rey (2007, 2010). With Real Betis in and out of the top flight during much of his time in Spanish football, he scored just three goals against his side’s greatest rivals in LALIGA EA SPORTS, but his unforgettable double in a dramatic 3-2 win in 2006 remains fresh in the minds of Sevillistas around the world.
Luis Aragonés (Real Betis, 1961-1964)
Luis Aragonés is best known for his success at Atlético de Madrid but he also spent three fruitful years at Real Betis during which time he scored six derby goals against Sevilla FC. His most famous derby outing was a LALIGA EA SPORTS meeting in the 1962/63 season when he scored both the goals in a 2-1 victory in front of Los Verdiblancos’ home fans. As a manager, he later went on to coach both clubs at different points of his career.
Ivan Rakitić (Sevilla FC, 2011-2014 and 2020-2024)
Ivan Rakitić is one of the most successful footballers to play in this derby and the Croatian international enjoyed some special moments against Real Betis over the years. By scoring four goals in this fixture, he is the second-top goalscorer in ELGRAN DERBI in the 21st century. His most recent strike helped earn Los Rojiblancos a 2-1 win in 2021/22. He departed Sevilla FC for a second time in January of 2024, having played in 16 derby matches.
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