Sevilla – Real Betis: Individual Mistakes Kill Sevilla’s Derby Hopes (0-2)

The Seville derby returned to the Sánchez Pizjuán with both teams trying to secure a key victory for different reasons. Betis were looking for their first away derby win under Pellegrini, while Sevilla was looking to stablize their LaLiga campaign. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Sebastián Parreño

The match was a clear tactical battle of two different intentions. Sevilla controlled the rhythm for long stretches, their sterile possession and repeated individual mistakes opened the door for a compact, transition-oriented Betis side. Two second-half goals, both born from Sevilla’s sloppy moments on the ball, decided a derby that ended in frustration, a red card, and even a temporary suspension due to crowd unrest. Betis did not dominate the ball, but they dominated the decisive moments, showing a clear understanding of where Sevilla were most vulnerable.

Sevilla’s on the ball dominance against Betis’ 4-4-2 defensive block

Almeyda set up Sevilla in a 4-2-3-1 during their possession phases. Sánchez, Azpilicueta, Marcao, and Carmona formed the back four. Sow and Mendy operated as the double pivot, while Fernández was used as the nominal number ten. Ejuke and González provided width on the wings, and Adams led the line as the lone striker.

Betis defended in a compact 4-4-2. Gómez and Rubial controlled the fullback positions, while Natan and Bartra formed the central defensive pairing. Deossa and Roca patrolled the midfield, and Abde and García filled the wide roles. Fornals and Hernández were the two strikers, primarily tasked with screening Sevilla’s double pivot and shaping the press . . .