He was a powerful an energetic footballer with a long stride and generous in his efforts. He knew what his job required of him and above all he knew his limitations, and it was for that very reason that he knew exactly how to play the instruments that corresponded to him in that virtuoso orchestra conducted by Julio Cardeñosa.

And off the pitch it was exactly the same. A great guy, profoundly humane, he fulfilled all the requirements in order to be considered a good person. A blood brother with that generation that brought Heliopolis their first great title in contemporary history; he dedicated his time to them without giving a thought of his own interests, he offered his candid opinions and his affection which recently became a sacrifice with the cruel illness and painful loss of his soul-mate Antonio Benítez.

And that was as it should be because Sebastián Alabanda was a Betis man through and through. A true son of the green-and-white gods that inhabit that particular Mount Olympus called 'Manquepierda', a dignified continuation of the lineage that over the years that has turned this mystery into a feeling that cannot be explained or measured.

That is why he came to Heliopolis so soon. When he was just 15 years old. Betis, at that time, reinvented the end of the 60s, in the hope that President Núñez brought greatness back to the Villamarín Stadium. He had his debut in a friendly match under the orders of Antonio Barrios, but his time came under the watch of the Hungarian Ferenc Szusza, becoming indispensable for the coach given this athlete's power and drive who was able to play as a centre-half and as a fullback.

They were promoted in '74 and there he was to stay. Those were the times when a legend was born. The memories that were recalled reciting the three surnames that contained a vast ocean of football, integrity and science: López, Alabanda and Cardeñosa. “The best midfielder in Europe”, as he was defined by an unapologetic Nils Liedholm, manager at that time of the great Milán. A mythical trio who were all capped for Spain, fuelling the pride of the Betis fans, but it was Sebastián Alabanda who was the first to hear he intoxicating melody of the national anthem. Also on the banks of the Manzanares and facing up to the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier or Rainer Bonhoff.

Then came the twenty penalties. And Esnaola's saves, the crowds waiting for them at the airport and the cheers in the streets and finally the confirmation that the young lad from Posadas was happy. 

So, more or less, that was the way things were in those days of wine and roses. When touring Europe with the national team he commented, jokingly, that "had slept with Jaime Sabate more times than he had done with his wife."

Of course, with the inevitable accidents committed by a Betis could not stay in one place, there were relegations and promotions that occasionally roamed Heliopolis to renewed cries from time to time at the Stadium.

In 1980 it was time to say goodbye, although no one ever really understood why. He left with a broken heart but was satisfied to receive a standing ovation at the Villamarín Stadium when he stepped out on to the field of play wearing the Murcia colours.

When he finished his career he worked as an honest banker; like all his peers he took refuge in melancholy while Betis was squandered away by those who never loved the Club. However, just two weeks ago, he had returned. And he walked into the club again through the glass door just as he had before. Just like this big guy had done before, marking his territory and running up and down so that others could think more clearly.

He was a member of the Betis Board of Directors, on the very Board of his beloved Real Betis Balompié. He wore the thirteen green-and-white stripes emblazoned on his heart and a head full of ideas. He was not prepared to cow-tow to any rival in the midfield. Just like always.

But all that hope for the future fell along the way. Tragedy struck taking him away for ever from his family and the group of champions in '77. Unsupportable pain.

So our best tribute, and our only consolation, is to remember him. So that when we are gone others can continue to remember him.

Rest in peace, Sebastián Alabanda Fernández, player and board member of Real Betis Balompié.

Manolo Rodríguez