Real Betis vs. Sevilla: Derby Cost the Red-Whites a Champions League Spot

Real Betis won 2-1 against their local rivals Sevilla in a hotly contested Derbi sevillano after an even 2-2 score line against Atletico Madrid.

On paper, Sevilla had history and the lineup to beat Real Betis, winning 51 total games compared to the Béticos' 36 overall wins against the Rojiblancos, with 28 draws between them. Betis managed to add one to their campaign, ruining Sevilla's potential—but unlikely—run for a Champions League spot.

With just two more games to play, Betis managed to get 11th place, tied with Sevilla. The Rojiblancos placed 10th, in front of Real Betis, on goal difference (minus-eight, to Real's minus-nine).

It was their second derby since 2009 (Betis played Sevilla on January 21, 2012, where the score was level at 1-1).

Betis had been relegated, but after regaining promotion into Liga BBVA, they had recorded 13 wins, seven draws and 16 losses, with 46 points from 36 games. It was just enough to stay in the lower mid-table—safe from the relegation zone. 

The game ended with a dramatic late game-winning goal by none other than Beñat Etxebarria, the defensive midfielder for Betis. 

Sevilla took the lead with Alvado Negrado's sweetly placed shot from Piotr Trochowski's ball into open space. The Rojiblancos almost made it two, but defender Federico Fazio was unable to head the ball on target from a Jose Antonio Reyes corner.

Betis leveled the game with Beñat scoring from a free kick.

The second half was similar to the first, with chances coming early. Reyes and Ruben Castro missed the target, and Negrado and Jesus Navas were stopped by Betis goalkeeper Fabricio. 

Beñat scored from his free kick about 20 yards out from the goal after Ruben Castro was fouled in injury time, giving Betis something to cheer about this season.