Real Betis draws in the U18 derby against Sevilla FC (1-1)
Second fixture for Group 4 of the U18 Honour Division
Real Betis U18 A had their debut at home against Sevilla FC, in a game that had all the attractions of a derby and which in the end finished in a one all draw. The green-and-whites thanks to a beautiful goal by Fabián in the 65th minute, but Nané equalised for the visiting team just a few minutes later.
The match started with great pace, proof of which can be found in the initial incursions which occurred in the first ten minutes of the game. Real Betis were the first ones to come close to scoring, with a centre shot by Francis. The visiting team's reply came immediately after with a shot from in front of the goal by Zelu, who was to try again later with a very similar piece of play. The Heliopolitan team took control of the match as the minutes went by focussing their attacks on the left wing with an incisive Sergio Navarro. He had the best scoring opportunity at his boots, but neither Diego or Fabián were able to finish off his centre despite being at the goal mouth. So the whistle went for half time with this initial result and all to play for.
The second half started with a similar script, a well-organised Real Betis and very clear ideas. Pedro Morilla's team put the pressure on in their opponent's half, which impeded movement up the pitch by Seville sealing off the route to the goal defended by Juan Soriano, who got an immediate red card for his foul on Sergio Navarro in the 56th minute. Betis's insistence was rewarded in the 64th minute, when Fabián recovered an attempted clearance off a corner and launched the ball at an impossible angle for the goalkeeper to stop. When Real Betis was most in control of the match, Nané levelled the match once again. The green-and-whites took the blow well continuing to look for the goal that would give them victory, and Junior came close to getting it for them off a corner kick, as was Diego later with a grass-cutting shot at an almost impossible angle. However, the scoreboard was not to change, confirming the second draw for Betis U18 A in as many days.
Real Betis U18 A's starting line-up included Valera, Sergio Rodríguez, Junior, Cabana, José Carlos, Antonio Manuel, Francis, Fabián, Diego, Hinojosa and Sergio Navarro. Robaina, Luis Lara and Julio also played.