By Manolo Rodríguez

 

Regardless of the score, some matches are remembered because of an event; an anecdote; because a player put on an outstanding performance; or, as it has happened many times, due to a magical moment, a spark that made all the attendants stand still and that, after many years, is still told through generations as something extraordinary.

 

We can remember, some time ago, a Betis-Barcelona when the great icon Luis del Sol played his last game as Green and White before signing for Real Madrid. It was 1960 and some still recall that day.

 

More than a decade later, in 1975, the clash between béticos and azulgranas was played two hours after dictator Francisco Franco had been buried. It was the 23rd of November of 1975, at 4.30 p.m. Those were strange days in the country as nobody knew for certain what could happen. However, sold out at Benito Villamarín. And Real Betis won 1-0, goal scored by Cardeñosa. The captains were Benitez and Cruyff.

 

Six years later, in 1981, Betis vs Barcelona was played at Villamarín on the 22^nd of February, the day before the Congress was assaulted and a coup d'état made put democracy in danger. The eve of 23-F. The match itself was marked by Betis excellent performance in the league at that moment, and the media regarded the Green and Whites as candidates for the title.

 

The match was tremendous and did not disappoint. Even game in all senses and it ended 1-1, goals scored by Morán and Schuster.

 

In 1982, as we have told in previous episodes, FC Barcelona came to Heliópolis with star Diego Armando Maradona, the fourth great legend that came to Benito Villamarín after Di Stefano (1958), Pelé (1959) and Cruyff (1974).

 

Lionel Messi, the fifth great, perhaps the greatest, took three decades more. And he came late. He was a star since 2006 but he didn't play at Betis' home ground until February 2009, when he had already played more than 100 games with Barcelona and scored more than 50 goals. An absurd record for a 21-year-old guy who only plaed 33 minutes that night. The match ended 2-2. Melli and Mark González scored for the Green and Whites and Eto'o netted a brace.

 

And among all those iconic memories and outstanding names, the magical spark. The play that never fades from memory.

 

An unforgettable moment that flashed on Sunday the 13^th of February of 2000. The match was crucial for the Green and Whites as they were in 17^th position, just one point clear of the relegation zone. It was also the home debut for Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, who had replaced Argentine Carlos Timoteo Griguol two weeks before. The main player out for Betis was Finidi who was playing, on that same day, the Africa Cup final with Nigeria.

 

It was a sunny afternoon and the stadium was completely full and, for the first time, the third tier of the North and East Stands, recently completed, could be used.

 

These were the line-ups:

 

Real Betis: Prats, Crosa, Bornes, Vidakovic, Filipescu, Ito, Merino, Karhan, Denilson (Cuéllar 70'), Alfonso (Benjamín 92'), Oli (Gálvez 58').

FC Barcelona: Arnáu, Reiziger, Abelardo (Dani 65'), Bogarde, Zenden, Luis Enrique, Xavi (Ronald de Boer 58'), Cocu (Litmanen 76'), Figo, Kluivert, Rivaldo.

Betis got the lead early in the match. 7^th minute. Zenden brings Denilson down on the right wing and the Brazilian delivers the free kick. Kluivert tries to clear but the ball falls to Ito just outside the area. The midfielder controls with his left foot and shoots with his right to the left post and Arnáu can't reach it. A great goal.

 

Then, Betis focus on defending and put all their efforts in asphyxiating the rival's midfield. Ito, merino and Karhan become a 'destructive triangle' that receive the praise from the pundits. However, Prats has to make a couple of great saves and Figo hits the woodwork one minute before half time. Betis finish the first half alive and prepare for what's to come.

What they did not bear in mind was that, six minutes into the second half, they got a man sent off. Karhan is shown his second yellow card. This makes Barcelona increase their pressing and Betis has to strengthen their defence. The Green and Whites are under siege.

Minutes go by until, suddenly, one of those magical things that sometimes occur in football happened. A goal to remember. An immortal goal because of its beauty and, especially, what it meant.

It's the 78^th minute and a long ball goes towards Betis left wing. The talented Ángel Cuéllar backheels it at first touch to Alfonso, who is already inside the box. Alfonso lets the ball go past him with Bogarde on his back. Suddenly, the striker turns around and makes an abrupt dribble. The big Dutch defender starts to fall down and Alfonso gives another touch to the ball to send his rival to the ground. He then shoots with his left and nails it in the bottom right corner.

A phenomenal play that drives the attendants crazy. Probably the best goal seen at home in decades. A moment of pride for those who where there, witnessed it and still recall it as prodigy.

That was the goal that won the match, because eight minutes later Kluivert cut the lead in half. The referee added four more minutes and, even if the felt like years, Betis won it. And that goal from Alfonso became legend.

A magical spark that is part of the Green and White patrimony.