By Manolo Rodríguez

 

 

Not many so decisive matches have Real Betis played at Espanyol's ground as the one at the season 1989/1990. A tense and passionate clash that meant half a promotion. A succes for a club in need back then.

An institution that was still traumatised by the relegation of the previous year and that was anxious to get the ticket back to the top division. That was the only target that season and it didn't always look that it would happen. In fact, six games before the ned, coach Juan Corbacho was dismissed. He had climbed from amateur football and never really connected with the fans.

The reins of the team were then given to a legend, Julio Cardeñosa, who was in charge of the second team. The former great Green and White player was starting n the benches and he was actually offered the first team in the previous summer, but Cardeñosa had not yet finished his coaching course. The directors even thought about waiting for him to finish and have fitness coach Diego Soto in charge meanwhile, but it was too much of a risk. For this reason, after trying to sign veteran coach Vicente Miera, the finally brought Corbacho.

 

Cardeñosa made his debut at Heliópolis against Recreativo de Huelva, that was coached buy another Betis legend: Luis del Sol. A Sunday morning match. Betis won with three goals from Pepe Mel. The striker actually scored five but two were disallowed.

 

Cardeñosa started off well and kept the team in promotion spots until the decisive game at Sarriá arrives. There were just three matches left to play. A match that was key in the future.

 

Betis had 43 points; Espanyol, 41. The Green and Whites won the first leg by just one goal and the rivals had a better overall goal average. For this, a defeat, even for just one goal, would allow the Catalan side to overtake the béticos. That was at stake. Half a promotion.

 

For this reason, Cardeñosa prepared the game like if it was a final. He maintained the 4-4-2 system he had implemented since his arrival and the only player out was Argentinian goalkeeper Nery Pumpido, who had departure two weeks before to join the gathering of his national team to prepare the World Cup Italy 90.

 

Sarriá Stadium is packed. It was specially notorious the presence of the Betis fans, who filled a whole stand. The Ninth Province once again responding to the call (Andalusia has eight provinces. As many Andalusians went after the Civil War to Catalonia for work, Betis became the second most popular team in that region. That's why Betis fans call Catalonia the Ninth Province). This Green and White emblem never walks alone.

 

The kick off took place at six o'clock with the following line-ups:

 

RCD. Espanyol: N,Kono, Mendiondo, Albesa, Martín, Maestre (Pineda, m. 79), Orejuela, Gabino, Wuttke, Gay, Escaich, Archibald.

 

Real Betis: Trujillo, León, Miguel Ángel I, Miguel Ángel II, Rubén Bilbao (Zafra, m.65), Recha, Ureña, Chano, Monsalvete, Puma Rodríguez (José Luis, m.79), Mel.

 

Betis began the match playing well. Calm and easy, better than the rival. Cardeñosa's plan surprised the other coach, Juanjo Díaz, and one player is outstanding above the rest: Puma Rodríguez.

 

However, as often happens in football, Espanyol took the lead in the most unexpected moment. 35th minute. A cross from Gabino is headed into his own goal by León. There's no time for grieving as Betis ties the game up right away. Four minutes later, actually. A great play from Puma Rodríguez who hits the post. The rebound is snatched by Monsalvete who taps it in. 1-1 at half time.

 

The second half is tenser, rougher, exhausting. Fifteen minutes into it and Wuttke gives Espanyol again the lead. Another quarter of an hour goes by and Zafra is tackled down inside the area. Pepe Mel trakes the ball and scores the penalty. 2-2. From that moment until the end, complete madness. Puma Rodríguez has to leave injured and Espanyol takes off a full back and plays a striker instead. Betis got under siege but they stood still. José Luis was even sent off seven minutes before the end. However, Betis had the best chances.

 

At the end, a draw and the Béticos go crazy, with a celebration of the players with the fans. Betis resisted the Sarriá battle and now they have the promotion at their grasp. They just needed to win one of the two games remaining and even a draw could do it if, as it happened, the teams behind them in table failed.

 

Absolute scenes that day. The players celebrated in the dressing as they were already promoted and some people even thought it had happened.

 

And, in fact, it was that way, as one draw a week later against Sabadell is enough to certify the promotion. Espanyol and Deportivo lost their games and Betis is back to where they belong.

 

Heliópolis is pure joy. The ninth promotion has been achieved. People are glad and specially happy because the success has come thanks to Julio Cardeñosa, one of the gods in Betis Olympus. A coach who, faithful to his essence, just sates: "I just did my job and I'm really happy."

 

That May afternoon of 1990, Real Betis played one of the most decisive games in their history at Espanyol's ground.