EL GRAN DERBI Approaches: A Clash Beyond Stats

The first EL GRAN DERBI of the 2025/26 season is set to occur at Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán this Sunday, a match that holds significance beyond mere points.

Real Betis Faces Setbacks Before the Derby

Real Betis enters the derby following a disappointing performance on Matchday 13, managing only a 1-1 draw against Girona FC at their temporary venue, Estadio de La Cartuja, last Sunday.

To make things worse, their leading scorer, Antony, received a red card late in the match, which means he will be unavailable for the crucial derby due to suspension. With six goals across all competitions, his absence will be felt.

Isco’s Welcome Return from Injury

However, not all news is bleak for Real Betis. The return of Isco from injury provided a ray of hope. He marked his comeback by being included in the matchday squad for the first time in three months, receiving a warm welcome from fans alongside a large banner celebrating his contract extension until 2028.

Isco, who was not in the starting lineup but came on in the second half, quickly made his presence felt by providing the assist for Valentín Gómez’s goal in the draw against Girona FC.

“I felt really happy after over 100 days out; I missed it a lot,” Isco expressed. “I’m excited to be back and aim to regain my form as soon as possible.”

This comes at a vital time for Real Betis, as they will need his creativity and experience in the derby. Historically, Isco has a strong record against Sevilla FC, having faced them 17 times and celebrating victory in 12 of those encounters.

In fact, with Isco on the pitch, Real Betis remains unbeaten in their last three matches against Sevilla. His last defeat against them was on November 8, 2015, while playing for Real Madrid, after which he has ensured an unbeaten run with six wins and two draws.

Sevilla FC’s Home Derby Dominance

Real Betis is the only team in LALIGA EA SPORTS that has not experienced a loss in away matches this season, achieving one win and five draws from six outings. However, they face a daunting challenge at a ground where they haven’t won since 2018. Sevilla FC has claimed victory in nine of the last twelve home derbies and is currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak.

Notably, Sevilla FC has lost just one of their last thirteen league encounters against Real Betis, with the latter’s sole win occurring last season when they staged a comeback to win 2-1, thanks to goals from Johnny Cardoso and Cucho Hernández after Rubén Vargas scored first.

The last meeting at Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán took place 11 months ago, where a penalty from Dodi Lukébakio secured a 1-0 victory for the hosts. As the match day approaches, excitement builds among fans eager to see which team will emerge victorious this Sunday.