Sevilla won 2-1 against Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday to reduce Real Madrid’s gap to six points as two mistakes from Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo proved decisive in Ramon Sánchez Pizzuan.
Bravo was recalled after a month of injury, but the 38-year-old had a penalty for forgetting the first half, which was replaced by Ivan Rakitic, before Munir El Haddadi’s shot was passed through his fingers. Let it rotate.
Betis improved in the second period and a brilliant free-kick from Sergio Canales, which was swung beautifully into the corner, hit the net early in the 94th minute.
Instead, Betis seems to have lost any hope of outwitting her rivals in second place, with her focus on finishing in the top four.
Atletico Madrid, who will face next weekend, are only one point behind in fourth while Barcelona and Villarreal are four points each, Barca with two games in hand.
The “El Gran Derby” game of La Liga has long been one of Spain’s best, famous for its noise, passion, excitement and tension this season.
Manuel Pellegrini called it “important” and “huge” on Saturday and while Julen Lopetegui insisted there were no thoughts of taking revenge on Sevilla, the stormy meeting at the Cup last month added some spice.
The match, which Betis had won, had to be called off and restarted after Sevilla’s Joan Jordan was hit by a flag pole thrown by the crowd.
This derby was particularly important, not only for the rivalry but also for the league table given that, unusually, both teams sit in the top three.
Sevilla were ahead but won only once in their last five and were also without key players, with Anthony Martial being injured while Jules Conde and Lucas Ocampos were both suspended.
It was Pellegrini’s decision to put Bravo back in the goal, however, ahead of Rui Silva, who had the most impact.
Great start for Sevilla
Sevilla dominated the first half and created four chances in the first 10 minutes. Jess Navas just widened before Jesus wanted a penalty after feeling Jordan pulled off his shirt, passed Yusuf N-Nesiri’s poked finish and saw the lively Takatito block the volley.
The scuffle broke out after Diego Carlos knocked out Tekatito and then Sevilla’s opener came through with three scoops.
The first was picked up on the right by Fernando, where Tekatito feathered a delightful chip in front of Alex Moreno and then made a long pass over the top to chase En-Nessiri.
He was given a second chance after a heavy touch from Mark Bartra, the ball flying loose across the box, took Bravo out. En-Nesari defeated him and fell, with Carlos del Cerro pointing to the spot. Rakitic swings a penalty into the corner.
Munir came in for the injured Papu Gomez, while Betis took a foothold, Victor Ruiz misjudged a header that should have nodded.
But another foul at the back gave Sevilla a second chance, Bono’s goal kick flying over the Betis backline, with Munir running clear. He took touches and shots but from far away. Bravo should have survived but the ball slips out of his hands and gets to the far corner.
The 40-year-old Joaquin came in for Nabil Fakir at half-time, his 26th Derby and probably his last after 17 years before him.
Betis enjoyed her best magic before the hour, with Canales increasingly impressive. Bono had to dive to reverse Cristian Tello’s effort and Alex Moreno would have set up a dramatic last 10 minutes had he not fired at the back post.
Betis eventually pulled back once, swinging Canales’ free-kick from 30 yards, but Sevilla had only one more minute to survive.
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