Not only do the two coaches hail from Chile and Argentina, but several of the players are South American as well.
Every meeting between Real Betis and Sevilla FC is a big deal in the Andalusian capital, but also far beyond. Football fans from around the world tune into this game because of the electricity that is felt in the stands, with the atmosphere often being compared to the passion of South American grounds. This weekend’s clash between the two clubs will feel South American not just because of the atmosphere, but also because so many of the players and the two coaches hail from that continent. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Pellegrini vs Almeyda: The Chilean veteran against the Argentinian rookie
Coaching these two teams are two South American coaches at opposite ends of their ELGRAN DERBI careers. Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has been in charge of Los Verdiblancos since 2020 and brought consistent European qualification to the green and white half of Seville. The 72-year-old Chilean has even won a Copa del Rey with the club, eliminating Sevilla FC on the path to that final.
On the opposite side is Matías Almeyda. Although he has plenty of coaching experience, at the age of 52, the Argentinian is currently in his first season in LALIGA EA SPORTS and this is just his second ELGRAN DERBI. After losing the first one 2-0 at home, he’ll be determined to lead his side to victory this Sunday, although he’ll have to guide his team from afar given that he’ll serve a touchline ban. Even that issue brought the two coaches together, with Pellegrini describing Almeyda’s absence from the dugout as a shame and Almeyda responding by thanking the Chilean for his support.
Argentinians, Brazilians and Colombians together at Real Betis
There are several South Americans in the Real Betis squad this season, and some of them are among the most important players in the team. Brazilian winger Antony and Argentinian playmaker Giovani Lo Celso are two of the most important acquisitions made by the club in the transfer market in recent years, but there are others too.
Brazilian centre-back Natan and Argentinian centre-back Valentin Gómez have worked well together, even if the latter is suspended for this game, while the Colombians Nelson Deossa and Cucho Hernández are both reliable options for Pellegrini in midfield and attack, respectively. Then there’s Chimy Ávila, who scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 victory over Valencia CF earlier this month. Even Ricardo Rodríguez, the veteran left-back who has excelled for Switzerland over the years, is of Chilean descent.
Sevilla FC’s Chileans will try to defeat Pellegrini
In the Sevilla FC squad, there is also a strong South American presence, especially a Chilean one. With left-back Gabriel Suazo and forward Alexis Sánchez, Los Rojiblancos have two Chileans who will try to get the better of their countryman Pellegrini this Sunday. Alexis is far from guaranteed to start the game, but could come off the bench and his valuable experience, at 37 years of age, would be vital.
Brazilian centre-back Marcão and Argentinian midfielder Federico Gattoni are two other South Americans on the Sevilla FC side, with the latter making his debut two weeks ago against Deportivo Alavés after returning from a loan to River Plate in the winter window. No matter who features in this Sunday’s game, which kicks off at 18:30 CET, it’ll bring guaranteed entertainment. This is one of the most exciting fixtures in European football, and this weekend it’ll even have a South American feel.
