LaLiga 2022-23: Five things we learned from a fiery El Gran Derbi

Gudelj the star, a bittersweet outing for Jesús Navas, an unrivalled atmosphere...

El Gran Derbi reminds us once again that it’s right up there among the very best derbies in Europe. The fans and the teams were up to the task of putting on a great spectacle, one which was marked with tension and drama. Here’s all you need to know.

The atmosphere of El Gran Derbi is… unrivalled

The derby started way before kick-off at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday night, with the fans whipped up by two musicians playing Stereo Love, by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina, and Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52, by Quevedo and Bizarrap. These performances were combined with a stunning lights show and tifo, linking the pre-match festivities with the start of the game. And once the match started, the chanting didn’t stop from start to finish. El Gran Derbi remains undefeated in terms of atmosphere, right up there with any city derby in the world.

Gudelj was the surprise star of the show

Nemanja Gudelj was responsible for frustrating the crowd at the Benito Villamarín. When it looked as though Manuel Pellegrini's side would be able to hold on for a 1-0 win, the Serbian blasted a right-footed shot from outside the area into the top corner in the 81st minute, one that was impossible for Claudio Bravo to stop. The spectacular goal was almost identical to his stunning strike at the Visit Mallorca Estadi just a few weeks ago, which demonstrates the confidence he has right now and which has seen him become the first name on coach Jorge Sampaoli’s team sheet every weekend.

Edgar is a defensive lock for Real Betis

Even though Real Betis played with nine men for almost the entire second half, they took a point from the game thanks in no small part to the performance of Edgar Gonzalez. The Catalan defender saved Pellegrini's side on a number of occasions, making some crucial interceptions and goal line clearances. He was deservedly named man of the match, more than justifying his selection in Los Verdiblancos’ back line.

A bittersweet 22nd LaLiga Santander derby for Jesús Navas

Jesús Navas added to his storied Sevilla FC career by making his 22nd LaLiga Santander appearance in El Gran Derbi, only to score an own goal to put his team up against it. He almost made up for it in the final moments of the game by setting up Gudelj for a chance that could have seen Sevilla FC bag a late winner, but Navas’ former Manchester City teammate Claudio Bravo denied the Serbian with a stunning save. As an aside, Sunday’s game also saw him go up against his former coach at City, Manuel Pellegrini.

A high-intensity game both on and off the pitch

It’s normal for a derby match to stir up passion among the fans, but El Gran Derbi is on a different level, especially because of the way that passion feeds though to the players. Three red cards (plus one for a member of the Real Betis technical staff) and 10 yellow cards clearly demonstrated the intensity with which the game was played from start to finish.