by Real Betis Balompié, commonly known as Real Betis, is a Spanish football club based in Seville, Andalusia. Founded on September 12, 1907, the club has a rich history marked by significant achievements, periods of adversity, and a passionate fan base.
Early Years and Formation
The origins of Real Betis trace back to 1907 when a group of students from the Polytechnic Academy in Seville established a football club named Sevilla Balompié. The term “Balompié” translates to “football,” distinguishing it from the anglicized “fútbol” commonly used in Spain. In 1909, a faction separated from Sevilla FC to form Betis Football Club. The two entities, Sevilla Balompié and Betis Football Club, merged in 1914, adopting the name Real Betis Balompié after receiving royal patronage from King Alfonso XIII. The word “Betis” is derived from Baetis, the Roman name for the Guadalquivir River that flows through Seville. Initially, the team donned blue jerseys and white shorts, but in 1920, they switched to their now-iconic green and white striped kits, inspired by the Andalusian regional flag.
Rise to Prominence and Early Success
In the 1931-32 season, under the guidance of Irish coach Patrick O’Connell, Betis achieved promotion to La Liga, Spain’s top football division. The pinnacle of this era came in the 1934-35 season when Real Betis clinched their first and only La Liga title, becoming the first club from Andalusia to do so. This triumph was particularly significant as it marked the last league championship before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
Post-War Challenges and Resurgence
The aftermath of the Civil War brought financial difficulties and inconsistent performances for Real Betis. The club faced multiple relegations, even descending to the third tier of Spanish football. Despite these challenges, the unwavering support of their fans, epitomized by the motto “¡Viva el Betis manque pierda!” (“Long live Betis even if they lose!”), spurred the team towards recovery. A significant turning point occurred in 1955 with the election of president Benito Villamarín. Under his leadership, Betis secured promotion back to La Liga in the 1958-59 season and achieved a commendable third-place finish in 1964. Villamarín’s tenure also saw the acquisition of the Estadio Heliópolis in 1961, later renamed Estadio Benito Villamarín in his honor.
Copa del Rey Triumphs and European Ventures
On June 25, 1977, Real Betis captured their first Copa del Rey title in a dramatic final against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. The match concluded with a 2-2 draw, and Betis emerged victorious 8-7 in a penalty shootout that featured 22 spot-kicks. This victory granted them entry into the European Cup Winners’ Cup, where they notably eliminated AC Milan in the first round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to Dynamo Moscow. Despite their European exploits, the team faced relegation that same season but promptly returned to the top flight, maintaining competitive performances in subsequent years.
The early 1990s marked a transformative period for Real Betis. In 1992, under the new Sports Law, the club transitioned into a public limited company, with businessman Manuel Ruiz de Lopera becoming the majority shareholder. His investment facilitated the club’s resurgence, leading to promotion back to La Liga in the 1993-94 season under coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer. The 1994-95 season saw Betis finish third in La Liga, their best performance since the 1930s, and qualify for the UEFA Cup. This era featured standout players such as Alfonso Pérez, Finidi George, and Roberto Ríos, the latter becoming the most expensive Spanish player at the time with his transfer to Athletic Club in 1997.
The pinnacle of this resurgence was the 2004-05 season when Real Betis secured their second Copa del Rey title by defeating CA Osasuna in the final. This triumph, coupled with a fourth-place league finish, earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. Betis successfully navigated past AS Monaco to reach the group stage, becoming the first Andalusian club to participate in the Champions League. They were drawn into a challenging group alongside Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC, managing a notable victory against Chelsea during the campaign.
Recent Developments and Future Aspirations
In the years following their Champions League appearance, Real Betis experienced fluctuations in performance, including relegations and prompt returns to La Liga. The club’s passionate fan base remained a constant source of support, embodying the resilient spirit of “¡Viva el Betis manque pierda!” In 2022, Betis added another chapter to their storied history by securing their third Copa del Rey title, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in Spanish football.
Looking ahead, Real Betis has ambitious plans to modernize their infrastructure. The club announced a project to construct a new 60,000-seater stadium, set to commence at the end of the current season. During the construction period, Betis will temporarily relocate to the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The new venue, expected to be completed by 2027, aims to boost revenue and enhance the matchday experience, featuring facilities such as a hotel and wellness center.
Throughout their history, Real Betis Balompié has exemplified resilience, passion, and a commitment to excellence.
