By Graeme Hanna
Un Betis sin reaccion (A Betis without reaction) – Diario de Sevilla
Un Betis fragil se estrella en Escocia (A fragile Betis crashes in Scotland) – ABC
From a Rangers perspective, the Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday night was very welcome. It provided a timely boost for Michael Beale and the team, at a time when there is an obvious feeling of scrutiny and expectation from the supporters. This was a big game, despite a lack of excitement or anticipation in the build-up. History tells us that we don’t often beat Spanish sides so this is a result that stands on its own merits. The initial performance was laboured but the second half picked up where the first left off. Rangers’ satisfaction came at the expense of the Andalusian side who showed their danger but failed to take advantage when it mattered. Their manager Manuel Pellegrini left Ibrox feeling despondent and now they trail the Gers as well as Sparta Prague after their 3-2 success over Aris Limassol. Here is a flavour of the response from the local press in Seville.
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Writing for Diario de Sevilla, journalist Jesus Alba commented in his match report,
“Betis received a harsh punishment in its European debut at the hands of an experienced rival who, from apparently being outclassed, emerged to leave Pellegrini’s team cold, who left his mark for the second time in five days after having failed against Barcelona last Saturday.”
“The Heliopolitans, who made the pass difficult due to their own mistakes, dominated Rangers in a good phase of the game, but they neither had the determination to continue harassing an opponent who almost gave the ball away in every pressure, nor the solvency to shake off the football exhibition British with which the Scottish squad achieved its objective, leaving the three points at Ibrox Park, a setting with as much history as it smells of real football.”
Alba went on to state, “Betis missed an excellent opportunity in Scotland, where they dominated Rangers and left the game in the second half. Manuel Pellegrini’s team had two interesting phases in which they were led by Abde and Rodri, clearly the best (players) for Betis.”
As is standard for foreign media, the backdrop of our historic football rivalry in Glasgow was referenced. Typically, this was with nuance and narrative, instead of sensationalism and faux-outrage that permeates the red-tops in Scotland.
“To the Betician, the air of the North Sea brought whispers of a story sheltered in that distinctive Scottish plaid fabric. From Glasgow, they say that the green and white striped jacket that the Irish Catholics wore arrived and travelled by boat to the port of Seville.”
“Rangers are in the opposite corner of the ring in the history of a mimetic rivalry with that of Seville. Celtic and Rangers, Catholics and Protestants with a ball in between.”
ABC reflected on the post-match musings of the former Manchester City and West Ham boss who felt that his side deserved more from their opening encounter in Group C.
‘Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis were defeated in the first match of the UEFA Europa League 23-24. The defensive fragility on Scottish soil and the lack of punch at the top have cost the Green and White team the first three points of the group stage against their main rival for direct access to the round of 16 of the competition’s final stages. However, the Chilean coach leaves Glasgow “very happy with the team’s personality” against Rangers despite the defeat.’
‘Pellegrini spoke in the mixed zone at Ibrox Stadium after the defeat and described the result as “completely unfair”. According to the Chilean coach, Betis had “more scoring chances” than the British, thus leaving him with “a feeling of dissatisfaction with the result.”
‘Pellegrini wanted to emphasise Betis’ “control” during the match, “especially in the first stage.” However, Butland “made two or three very good saves” that prevented the Green and White in Glasgow.