Neglect El Clasico – Actual Betis v Sevilla is one of the best fixture in Spanish soccer and we gained’t hear in any other case.
Derbies when each groups aren’t massively profitable at nationwide degree at all times include an additional depth – assume Roma v Lazio or Newcastle v Sunderland.
Trophies are uncommon. Mutual loathing is intensified and the parochial issue is whacked up a number of notches. There may be discuss of little else within the days earlier than every encounter.
Actual Betis v Sevilla is Spain’s fiercest metropolis derby. The latter have the sting on trophies following their Europa League domination over the previous 20 years, however are at one thing of a low ebb.
In the meantime, Betis have at all times claimed to be Spain’s fourth largest membership when it comes to fanbase measurement.
Additionally they delight themselves on being Seville’s working-class workforce. Each groups are well-supported and there aren’t many Madrid or Barcelona fan golf equipment within the metropolis.
There’s a motive they name it “El Gran Derbi.” The 2 groups are eternally intertwined, neither actually thriving on the similar time.
“The Seville derby is the best way it’s as a result of Seville is the best way it’s,” wrote Sid Lowe in 2022. “Noisy, loud, enjoyable, the sensation held deep. Passionate.”
Antony would seem primed to thrive in such a fixture. Even throughout his irritating Manchester United days, no person would assume to name him cold-blooded.
He’s thrived since signing completely final summer season, following a profitable mortgage spell in 2024-25, as Betis push for Champions League qualification.
The Brazilian ahead opened the scoring in Sunday’s fixture at La Cartuja, netting from shut vary and giving the Betis followers a collective orgasm.
‘Netting from shut vary’. Who’re we kidding?
Abde Ezzalzouli motored away from the Sevilla defender, took the ball to the byline and scooped into the night sky.
A minor bout of pinball broke out, till Antony contorted his physique like Play-Doh and spanked a bicycle kick previous the helpless goalkeeper.
If we ever get round to creating an inventory of gamers who weren’t nice goalscorers, however had been scorers of nice targets, Antony can be within the high one.
🚨🚨| GOAL: ANTONY WITH A BICYCLE KICK GOAL!!!!
Actual Betis 1-0 Sevilla
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) March 1, 2026
The previous United winger now has seven La Liga targets after 21 video games, alongside 5 assists.
Beforehand requested why he believed issues didn’t go effectively at Previous Trafford, Antony mentioned: “I’m a person who accepts my tasks.
“I believe off-field issues affected me lots, in my efficiency. I do know my potential, I do know my qualities, I didn’t play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn’t return to the nationwide workforce for nothing.
“I additionally take duty for it not figuring out, for not performing as I needed. However I at all times attempt to see the brilliant facet of issues, going by this complete course of, this time at United, was essential to see myself.”
Weighed down by the sheer measurement of the switch payment, the dysfunction at United and maybe his personal limitations, Antony is busy rebooting his profession within the capital of Andalucia.
Consider all these photographs of Spain, the cliches and the image guide stuff that will get your mouthwatering throughout a British winter. You’re considering of Seville.
It’s a visceral place and an on-form Antony is a visceral footballer. It’s no shock that he’s illuminated Spain’s finest fixture.
By Michael Lee
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