The second Sevilla Derby of the season means more than usual to both of these teams. Sevilla and Real Betis are both looking for a spot in the Europa League.
Real Betis nearly has entrance into the Europa League secured. They are sitting two points ahead of Villarreal and five points ahead of Sevilla with two matches left to play, but they need a result here in order to lock up a spot. It would be just their second time qualifying for a European competition this decade.
As for Sevilla, not making it back into Europe would be awfully disappointing. They made it to the Champions League Quarterfinals for the first time in six decades this season and finishing seventh in La Liga would make this a bittersweet season.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from Estadio Benito Villamarin in Sevilla, Spain at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
La Liga Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Sevilla +150
Real Betis +163
Draw +257
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
For most of the year, Sevilla looked set for a top-six finish. However, as the club went further in the Champions League, their focus seemed to shift away from La Liga. They went on a slump in the middle of the season that saw them slide down the table. Sevilla won just one of their eight La Liga matches in March and April.
However, Sevilla did give itself a chance with its performances this month. Sevilla was able to grab a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend and then managed to upset Real Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday. Sevilla did nearly blow a 3-0 lead in the final few minutes, but they were able to pull out a win.
Real Betis dropped their last match, yet this team had been on a tear prior to that. They went on an eight-match unbeaten streak prior to the loss and rocketed up the La Liga table. Betis looked hungry to have their best finish in years and are still on pace for that. Amazingly, they are the one team to beat Real Madrid twice during this campaign.
Last Meeting
These teams met in the first Sevilla Derby just after the New Year and played in one of the most exciting matches of the season.
Sevilla and Real Betis combined for eight goals in a wide-open game where neither team was able to play much defense. The tone of the match was set early as Sevilla turned the ball over deep in their end, leading to a goal from Fabian Ruiz Pena within the first minute. These teams traded goals for the rest of the half and went into halftime tied at 2-2.
The first 15 minutes of the second half didn’t see much action, but then some atrocious defense from Sevilla led to two quick Real Betis goals. Riza Durmisi tallied in the 63rd and Sergio Leon grabbed a goal in the 65th to put Betis up by two. Sevilla pulled one back quickly, but it wasn’t enough and Real Betis ended up with a 5-3 win.
Player to Watch
Fabian Ruiz has been one of the major reasons behind Real Betis’ success this year. Ruiz is seen as one of the top young midfielders in Spain and has been linked to a move to Barcelona this offseason. He doesn’t have the big stats you may expect, with just three goals and six assists this season. However, the 22-year old has done a lot of the little things to help his team succeed.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Sevilla’s defense has not been good this season. Despite being seventh in the table, they have given up 56 goals this year. That is tied for the fourth-most goals allowed in La Liga. The defense will falter once more in a Real Betis victory.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Real Betis 2, Sevilla 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
