By Manolo Rodríguez

 

 

Five teams of the French league have played European competitions at Heliópolis. And in all of those times, the final result would allow Real Betis to get through the next round if repeated against Stade Rennais this Thursday. A first data that brings optimism.

The first French team that came to Benito Villamarín was Stade Français in September of 1964 in the Inter-Cities Fair Cup, that pioneer continental tournament. The game finished 1-1 and was the first time Betis fans could cheer a Green and White goal in Europe. José López Hidalgo scored it in the 46^th minute.

After that first episode, we have to go more than 20 years further into the future to see another clash against a French side. It was against Girondins Bordeaux in the Last 16 second leg of the UEFA Cup, competition in which the team managed by Lorenzo Serra Ferrer had already eliminated Zimbru Chisinau from Moldavia and Viktoria Zizkov from Czech Republic.

That second leg played at Benito Villamarín came after an unlucky defeat 2-0 in the first match. Under the rain, thunderbolts and lightnings, things did not end well and it was a pity, because Betis did everything to get through, but it couldn't be. An outstanding and unexpected goals from a Young Zinedine Zidane complicated everything from the beginning.

Then, two goals scored by Alexis and Stosic, still in the first half, made everyone dream of a happy ending that could not be finished after half time. Some still remember that free-kick that Stosic sent to the woodwork. If it had gone in, perhaps history could have changed forever.

The French came back in 2002. Again in the UEFA Cup. Last 32 round. This time, Auxerre, a team that back then had a name in Europe. The first leg was played at home and Real Betis won 1-0, Alfonso from the penalty spot. The second leg went wrong, though.

In 2005, the Champions League preliminary round came to Heliópolis. A milestone. Real Betis had the chance of playing the most prestigious club competition in the world!

The rival was Monaco, then managed by Didier Deschamps, current French national coach and world champion. The Monegasques came to play the first leg and, although the light went out before the kick-off, the game was won by Betis thanks to a late goal from Edu. This slight advantage was certified by Oliveira's goals in the second leg.

The last French team that came to play at Villamarín was on the 19^th of September of 2013, already in the renamed UEFA Europa League, in the group stage. The rival was Olympique Lyonnais in the opening group match. Not much happened during the 90 minutes, but that Betis managed by Pepe Mel, with many new faces and without Rubén Castro (injured for three months), put on a good performance and received the ovation from the fans.

A minute of observance was respected before the kick-off in memory of Gerry Mühren, extraordinary Dutch player who wore the Green and White shirt in the 70s. Mühren had pass away that same day in Volendam, his hometown, aged 67, due to a myelodysplastic syndrome.

 

One of the players in the starting eleven for Olympique Lyonnais was Samuel Umtiti, current FC Barcelona player and world champion with France national team in 2018. Umtiti, who wasn't even 20 at the time, was already one of the team's main players and best example of the club's academy. He had and imponent physicality and was brilliant with the ball at his feet, and the player he eventually became could already be seen.

 

Other players who later became well-known also played in that team, such as Gomis, Lacazette and Grenier. The latter currently plays at Stade Rennais and faced Real Betis last week at Roazhon Park.

 

Actually, all the teams from the French league that came to play brought good players. Stade Français had goalkeeper Carnus (best French player in 1969 and 1970); Auxerre had defender Mexes (who also played at Roma and Milan) and striker Djibril Cissé, who later left details of his quality in France, England, Italy and Greece.

 

Monaco, on their part, brought outstanding footballers such as Brazilian full back Maicon (Champions League winner with Inter in 2010), French player Evra (also Champions League winner with Manchester United in 2008) and Togolese striker Adebayor.

However, without a doubt, the brightest star of them all in all these matches was Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest players in recent times. An extraordinary footballer who was just 23 when he faced Real Betis with Girondins.

He had made his debut in the French top division with Caen and perhaps the astonishing goal he scored at Heliópolis took him for the first time to the levels he later owned. Béticos saw with pain that volley that went over Pedro Jaro, but there's no doubt that the attendants witnessed a memorable moment.

Years later, Zidane shone at Juventus (where he became Ballon D'Or winner in 1999), won Real Madrid's eight Champions League (with that signature goal against Leverkusen) and was the main actor of that galactic squad that marked an era.

He played four times with Real Madrid at Heliópolis and never won. The first time, Betis won 3-1 and the three other matches ended 1-1. He was also one of the main news in the 2004 game when he accidentally hit keeper Toni Prats, injuring him for several months.

 

As Madrid coach, the contrary. He drew once and won the other two times. He always got the respect and admiration of Betis fans and it is undisputable to state that he is the best French player who has ever played at Real Betis field.