Sevilla staged a dramatic comeback against Real Betis in an electrifying El Gran Derbi, snatching a 2-2 draw at Estadio La Cartuja after trailing by two goals.
Real Betis and Sevilla played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sunday’s hotly contested El Gran Derbi. Isaac Romero emerged as Sevilla’s late hero, netting a crucial equalizer with just five minutes remaining.
This La Liga clash, held at the neutral Estadio La Cartuja, carried fierce cross-city rivalry. Betis, in fifth position, faced twelfth-placed Sevilla, who aimed to improve their form.
Real Betis took early control. Sevilla’s Gabriel Suazo received a yellow card in the 11th minute. Antony then put Betis ahead in the 16th minute with a composed finish.
Antony later received a yellow card himself in the 24th minute for tripping. The Verdiblancos doubled their lead in the 37th minute as Abdessamad Ezzalzouli assisted Álvaro Fidalgo, who calmly slotted home.
Betis held a commanding two-goal advantage at halftime. Sevilla’s management faced a significant challenge. They needed to break down a resolute defense and inject attacking impetus.
Sevilla responded with immediate second-half changes. Oso and C. Ejuke were introduced. This tactical shift quickly bore fruit, changing the match's dynamic.
Alexis Sánchez pulled one back for Sevilla in the 62nd minute, assisted by substitute Oso. This goal breathed new life into the contest, setting up a tense final half-hour.
The game became increasingly physical. Betis defenders Diego Llorente and Natan received yellow cards in the 75th and 82nd minutes. Sevilla pushed relentlessly for an equalizer.
The momentum fully swung to Sevilla. Substitute Isaac Romero completed the stunning comeback in the 85th minute, guiding home an assist from Djibril Sow. Romero’s spirited celebration earned him an immediate yellow card.
Despite Betis's early dominance, Sevilla finished with more shots on goal (6 to 2) and total shots (14 to 9). Sevilla controlled 55% possession. Betis registered a higher expected goals (1.58 xG to 0.85 xG).
This dramatic draw sees Real Betis maintain fifth place, though they will rue letting a two-goal lead slip. For Sevilla, the hard-fought point against city rivals provides a morale boost and a lift.
