EXCLUSIVE Real Betis and Sevilla are set to renew their age-old rivalry on Sunday afternoon as Daily Star Sport take a closer look at the clash
Sevilla and Real Betis will renew their rivalry on Sunday afternoon(Image: Getty Images)
“I’ve played in the north London Derby, the Manchester Derby, even Manchester United vs Liverpool. This is just so different,” Terry Gibson admitted.
Gibson, who has now transitioned into a TV role for La Liga, was speaking to Daily Star Sport about the Derbi Sevillano – held between Sevilla and local rivals Real Betis.
The two famous old Spanish sides will lock horns once again on Sunday afternoon – with the bragging rights of the city up for grabs. And for Gibson, who will be on commentary, it’s a day he always has marked in his calendar.
Real Betis head into the clash as the more confident of the two sides(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
“It’s my favourite La Liga game of the entire season. The Clásico is always big, but these Seville derbies… the first one I went to genuinely caught me by surprise,” he admitted.
“Seville is a football-mad city. You can go to any home game – Sevilla or Betis – and it’s a brilliant atmosphere. But on derby day, it’s mind-blowing. The city is split in half.”
Gibson even admitted the clash feels like something you’d find in South America as feverish fans pour onto the streets to support their team.
Terry Gibson joked its more like a South American clash(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s rare to see a city so divided – green and white vs red and white. The stadiums are almost walking distance apart. Any time of year you’ll see Betis or Sevilla flags hanging from balconies.
“There’s nothing ‘friendly’ about this derby. It means everything.”
Images of Seville fans lining the streets emerged online on Sunday, as blue sky turned into a haze of red with oversized flags and flares, ready to welcome the two sides.
Betis fans will be hoping for another win on Sunday(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
For the past decade, Betis have been Sevilla’s annoying little brother — forced to watch their overachieving neighbours conquer Europe while they remained stuck in limbo.
However, under Manuel Pellegrini, the tide has begun to turn, and Betis’ rise back to the upper reaches of La Liga has been nothing short of stunning.
Betis finally got their own back last season, winning for the first time in eight games – a moment Gibson joked “felt like they’d won La Liga.”
He continued: “The club is growing and their fans have always been envious of Sevilla’s European success. So reaching the Conference League final last season was huge for them.
“Sevilla have been the top dogs in the city for years, but right now Betis probably have the stronger side.
“People in the UK sometimes don’t realise how big Betis are. With the club run properly now, they’re really progressive. Fantastic manager, lots of ex-Premier League players, and they’re pushing.
“Top four is possible, and it’s their dream.”
Sevilla FC vs Real Betis is available for fans in the UK to watch on Premier Sports 1, from 3:10pm on Sunday and FC Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid is also available on Premier Sports 1, from 7:55pm on Tuesday, for fans in the UK.
