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La Liga Match Sevilla vs. Real Betis 14 April

Posted by (Kent, WA, USA) on

Greetings, Sports Fans!

I'm headed through Spain in April and am looking to take my sports-crazy nephew to a match. I am likely to be in Seville on the 14th. I'm wondering if it is practical or possible to catch the Sevilla -Betis match, especially if it looks to be what's described as the "craziest derby" with the most passionate fans. I speak little/no Spanish, but my nephew is fairly fluent as he is on his study abroad in Bilbao. (Yes, I know that's Basque country, but he's been doing great in his travels all over Spain, and he also is fluent in French.) Is this a sporting event that would be advisable for us as American visitors to consider? Any issues with more-than-usual clashes, protests, drunkenness, etc? I've been to Schalke vs. Bayern Munich and some lesser sports rivalries in Europe, and I've never felt unsafe. But since this is my first trip to Spain, I'm not sure about Spain's futbol culture. Any advice on ticket buying and pre-match is also appreciated.

Posted by
4180 posts

Is this a sporting event that would be advisable for us as American visitors to consider? Any issues with more-than-usual clashes, protests, drunkenness, etc?

Tom, rest assured, you do not have anything to worry about. I'm not sure about sporting events in the United States, but here in Spain we do not have this tradition of hooliganism, that one finds in other parts of Europe. Sporting events here are family affairs, I remember growing up, going with my father to FC Barcelona matches, we would always bring bocadillos (sandwiches) to eat during the game. I think you and your nephew will have a blast! :)

Posted by
4180 posts

Also be aware that Sunday, April 14 is Palm Sunday in Sevilla and marks the start of Semana Santa (holy week) April 14-21. The majority of Spain's cities, towns and villages, (especially in Andalucía) will put on processions and celebrations combining music, art, and color. There may be some slowdown in Sevilla attributed to Holy Week. Personally, I think that you should embrace the fact that you will be in Sevilla during Semana Santa, and make a point to see some of these processions while you are there.

Posted by
4 posts

Great advice! I wasn't too worried...it's more about my sister worrying about going to a sporting event. Both Holy Week festivities and the derby match should be awesome! Thanks!

Posted by
162 posts

I went to a match in Barcelona at the Camp Nou (coincidentally, they were playing Sevilla).

The match was a real professional affair, not like the craziness we have in the U.S. or in parts of Britain. Spectators were there to watch soccer, not get drunk or stare at their phones or catch hot dogs that are being catapulted into the stands. It's no-frills entertainment for true lovers of the sport.

There are definitely some fans who sing songs and wave banner and dance around during the match, but the vast of majority of them are there in good spirit and simply want to support their team (and encourage others to do so as well).

I don't know much specifically about the Sevilla-Real Betis rivalry other than it's one of the most heated rivalries in Spain, but my overall impression of Spanish soccer fans was overwhelmingly positive. It's truly a great cultural experience to take in.

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