Real Betis v Sevilla FC: Europe's hottest city derby right next to Africa

03/27/2025 10:49 AM

A mere 14.5 kilometres separates the northernmost tip of Morocco with southernmost tip of Andalusia, where the El Gran Derbi between the giants of Seville is the fixture that separates the locals in one of European football's hottest city rivalries.

Real Betis and Sevilla FC aren't just close in proximity to the African coastline, they are also close to many African players' hearts who have made their mark for both clubs.

As we gear up for this Sunday's cross-city match-up (10pm SAST), here are some of the best African moments from this most historic of rivalries.

Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla FC/Mali)

As one of the greatest Africans that have played in LALIGA EA SPORTS, the Malian's prowess as a goal scorer was clear for all to see around Spain.

When Sevilla FC took on Real Betis early in the 2006/07 season, Kanoute put on a masterclass in the two main skills of a poacher – placement and power.

Kanoute scored a brace on the day and his first was the masterclass in placement. After some pinball in the box, the ball came to the striker who reacted with a calm, looping lob over the keeper that put Sevilla FC in the lead.

His second goal came with plenty of power. As a cross swung into the penalty box from the right hand side, Kanoute dived across his defender to land a thumping header into the corner.

Sevilla FC ended up winning 3-2, which kickstarted a season that saw them win no less than three trophies (UEFA Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Cup), Kanoute led the way with 30 goals in all competitions.

Finidi George (Real Betis/Nigeria)

Finidi George's legendary status in Nigeria was secured before he left for Spain. After his first derby against Sevilla FC, he cemented his legendary status among the Real Betis fans too.

In December 1996 during a tricky away day at Sevilla FC's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan home, the winger put on a show showing all the trickery at his disposal and troubled the home team all night.

By the time he was taken off in the 74th minute, the job was done. Real Betis were 3-0 up and the home crowd was stunned.

George's influence helped the club to finish fourth and qualify for the UEFA Cup Winners Cup, while their rivals suffered the ignominy of relegation.

Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla FC/Morocco)

There is plenty of Moroccan influence all around Andalucian culture which includes football with plenty of Atlas Lions making their mark in the colours of Sevilla.

One such player was Youssef En-Nesyri, He was one of the club's best strikers in the modern era – the second top scoring African in Sevilla FC history behind only Frederic Kanoute – and he'll always have the honour of being the one that scored the winner in the 100th edition of El Gran Derbi in LALIGA in March 2021.

The moment came in the first half when he latched onto a through ball from club icon Jesus Navas, rounded the advancing goalkeeper with ease and successfully found the net from the tightest of angles.

In a derby that's always filled with plenty of emotion, El-Nesyri stood out with a moment of calmness that settled it.

Sevilla FC ended up qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, finishing above their rivals for an eighth successive season.

Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/Nigeria)

Nosa Igiebor spent two seasons at Real Betis in a period that coincided with him becoming an Afcon winner and the Nigerian will go down in club folklore for his goal in one of the more remarkable El Gran Derbi endings.

In April 2013, it all looked so tragic for Real Betis after 33 minutes with Sevilla FC 3-0 up. Then the momentum swung for Los Verdiblancos as a growing energy came over their fans at the city's neutral La Cartuja stadium.

Real Betis pulled a goal back before half-time then scored another just on the other side of the break.

Pushing for an equaliser in the final minutes, a free kick was floated into the box. Igiebor rose high and aggressively. His 88th minute downward header had enough power to get past the Sevilla FC keeper and the home fans were in raptures as the unfathomable comeback was complete.

On Sunday, there will be plenty of African representation on the field with Nigerians Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams set to play for Sevilla FC and Cedric Bakambu, Youssouf Sabaly and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli in line to feature for Real Betis.

Could any of these stars be the next African derby hero? Watch the game Live on SuperSport LALIGA on DStv Channel 204.