However, this fact does not affect the content of matches. Betis stubbornly does not want to see a big brother in Seville and plays with the team of Juande Ramos, as before - on an equal footing. Another derby was held at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium, the Betis home arena. And from the very first minutes the white-green ones made it clear to the pinkish-orange friends (the guest form of Seville is simply enchanting) who is the boss in the house.
Victory was extremely necessary for both teams. Three points are three points. But both Betis and Sevilla still needed a psychological bonus. “Betis” this could give strength in his difficult struggle. And in the new year, Sevilla fell into a crisis, from which it is desirable to get out faster.
In fact, this is just a crisis of adolescence. It is one thing to periodically pinch Real Madrid with Barca, and quite another to fight with them for the championship title, and with equal chances. From "Seville" is now required victorious tread. She, however, in the current championship of Spain no one. In a different situation, such a recession as that of Sevilla would have long ago dropped the team out of the championship fight. And she is still there - in second place in the table, not far from Barcelona. Nevertheless, you still need to win. And head coach Juande Ramors announced before the match that success in the derby would bring Seville back to victory.
Alexander Kerzhakov did not appear in Sevilla - the attack of the guests was led by Frederic Canute and Luis Fabiano. It can be seen that they were almost absent in the first half - Betis dominated for 20 minutes. The result of the master's pressure was a penalty, generously appointed by the arbitrator. Mechia Davila did not really see the moment, but he is not one of those who doubt himself. Betis didn’t use the chance to take the lead, forward Robert struck the wrong place.
After that, the hosts attacked for some time. And then the game got stuck in the middle of the field. At the same time, no cutting or self-harm was observed at all - the players were so correct that the famous cannibal Davila had nowhere to turn around. However, once the most bloodthirsty referee in Spain (and this title must also be earned, serious competition) this season he approved in every sense. He grew up a pozzo and punishes violators of public order without previous fanaticism.
The real derby began after the break, but did not last long. It seems that the players were seriously afraid of a recurrence of Sicilian events and did not want to provoke fans ahead of time. In the second half, the evening finally ceased to be languid. First, the judges rightly canceled the goal of Fernando, scored from offside. And then, Sevilla launched an incredibly dangerous attack that buried itself in the goal post of Tony Doblas.
An early goal after a break could seriously change the game - it could, for example, become more open, or it could close in the penalty box of one of the teams. Nothing of the kind happened. And soon the situation on the field calmed down. It was clear that the coaches really wanted to win, but even more they wanted not to lose.
Juande Ramos for no reason replaced the inventor Marescu with the solid destroyer Marty. And Luis Fernandez removed the Brazilian Rafael Sobis from the field, releasing the Frenchman Pankrata to Robert. Even earlier, the local pupil Alfaro went out to play for Sevilla, who apparently received a special task. The first time he materialized a minute on the 31st, breaking his head after a corner. With the established lack of fish, this moment went behind the scoring.
Obviously they could not beat one another. So the winning goal was to be the result of an individual error or feat. The mistake was made by Daniel Alves, who waved his foot past the ball. However, Robert shot the goalkeeper Palop - in this case, simplicity was worse than theft.
Be that as it may, “Seville” again did not prove itself in the attack. And this despite the fact that Kanoute had a very strong match. Malyets won the martial arts, threw the ball head to partners, opened. But he did not receive proper support from anyone. That Luis Fabiayano, that Alfaro, that Jesus Navas - they all played gray. In general, Kerzhakov has a chance - in the next match he will surely appear on the field.
Kirill DEMENTYEV
Betis - Seville - 0: 0 (0: 0)
In the 12th minute, Robert (Betis) missed a penalty.
SEVILLA: Palop, Javi Navarro, David, Daniel Alves, Dragutinovic, Adriano Correia (Puerta, 79), Poulsen, Maresca (Marty, 65), Luis Fabiano (Alfaro, 58), Canute, Navas.
Warnings: Daniel Alves (11), Poulsen (31), Robert (39), Assunsao (82).
February 10th . "Manuel Ruiz de Lopera", 0.00.
Judge : Mechia Davila.