Real Betis
Spanish football team.
Real Betis Balompié, commonly known as Real Betis, is a professional football club based in Seville, Spain. Founded in 1907, the club has a long and colorful history in Spanish football. Betis plays its home games at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, which has a capacity of 60,720 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Spain.
The club's colors are green and white, earning them the nickname "Los Verdiblancos" (The Green-and-Whites). This color combination is unique in La Liga and has become an integral part of the club's identity. Betis is known for its passionate fan base, which extends far beyond Seville and even Spain, with supporters' clubs found across the globe.
Throughout its history, Real Betis has experienced both highs and lows. The club's most successful period came in the 1930s when they won their only La Liga title to date in the 1934-35 season. This achievement made them the first Andalusian club to win the Spanish top flight. However, the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath led to a period of decline for the club.
Betis has won the Copa del Rey three times, with victories in 1977, 2005, and most recently in 2022. The 1977 victory was particularly memorable, coming after a marathon penalty shootout against Athletic Bilbao. The 2022 triumph, which saw them defeat Valencia in the final, ended a 17-year trophy drought and qualified them for the UEFA Europa League.
The club has had several spells in European competition, with their most notable achievement being reaching the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 1998. In recent years, Betis has become a regular participant in European competitions, reflecting their improved standing in Spanish football.
Real Betis is known for its commitment to attractive, attacking football. This philosophy has been embodied by managers like Lorenzo Serra Ferrer and more recently, Manuel Pellegrini, who has led the team to consistent top-half finishes and European qualification since taking over in 2020.
The club has a fierce rivalry with Sevilla FC, their city neighbors. The Seville derby is one of the most passionate and intense rivalries in Spanish football. As of 2024, Real Betis continues to compete in La Liga, consistently challenging for European places.