The Time-Honored Benito Villamarin
Estadio Benito Villamarin has long been a staple of Spanish stadium architecture, with its verdant walls enclosing some of La Liga’s most elegant footballing moments. This will be the last season it looks the same before undergoing a complete renovation, aligning with various other stadiums in Spain. Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’ Chilean manager, is preparing a thrilling farewell for the historic venue. Under his guidance, Betis has risen to a captivating crescendo, currently sitting in sixth place in the tightly packed La Liga table. The club’s recent 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, Pellegrini’s first ever against Los Blancos, is a testament to his strategic brilliance and the team’s flair.
The Spanish Way: Pellegrini’s Base Template
Four seasons have elapsed since Pellegrini’s arrival, and it was evident from the start that his principles aligned seamlessly with Real Betis’ needs. His hallmark tactical approach strikes a balance between control and attack, often stretching the pitch to facilitate wide combinations. A playmaker between the lines, with the freedom to manipulate available spaces, is another key element. This style deeply resonates with the traditional Spanish game, which emphasizes possession, control, and creating superiorities, all built upon a foundation of high technical awareness and player application. Pellegrini’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation has been a consistent feature, with players like Guido Rodriguez, William Carvalho, and Sergio Canales adeptly interpreting the system. The focus on control was evident, with deeper numerical superiorities comfortably created, and possession circulated with precision.
The Evolution: Pivots and Pace
In the current season, Pellegrini’s Betis has evolved, reflecting the players’ growth and the manager’s adaptability. The base template remains, but the player profiles now lend themselves to speed, expression, energy, and enterprise. Young stars Johnny Cardoso and Sergi Altimira have flourished, combining excellent progression and creativity from deep positions with relentless effort. In a 1-0 victory against Atletico Madrid, which Pellegrini hailed as the best performance since his arrival, Altimira controlled the game’s tempo with a 94% passing accuracy, while Cardoso excelled in ball recovery, winning 8 ground duels and making numerous tackles and interceptions. Their dynamic partnership maintained a high tempo that Atletico struggled to match. This intensity was on full display again in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid, where Betis slowly wrestled control back after an initial Real Madrid lead, thanks to Cardoso’s tempo control and Isco’s supportive playmaking.
A Young, Hungry Frontline
Pellegrini’s lineup now features a fresh, versatile, and highly dynamic set of wide and forward players, giving him the flexibility to deploy various combinations. Fast and ambitious wingers like Ez Abde, Chimy Avila, and the recently added Antony on loan, have made Betis a faster, more direct team. This was evident in the 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid, where Abde, Chimy, Pablo Fornals, and Vitor Roque attacked with relentless pace, resulting in 26 shots and nearly 2 expected goals against one of Europe’s best defenses. By the time they faced Real Madrid, despite losing Assane Diao and Roque, 19-year-old academy starlet Jesus Rodriguez stepped up, maintaining the team’s threat and control. Pellegrini encourages the younger forwards to remain a threat to their markers while maintaining high levels of teamwork, though inexperience occasionally leads to a loss of efficiency.
The Joy of Expression: Isco’s Rejuvenation
No discussion of Pellegrini’s Betis would be complete without mentioning Isco’s renaissance. Reunited with the manager who launched his career at Malaga, Isco is enjoying football again, and his performances are a joy to watch. He shoulders his tactical freedom with a captain’s sense of responsibility, always available, inventive, unpredictable, and forward-thinking. Isco’s games are sprinkled with signature feints, combinations, and nutmegs, delighting the Villamarin’s eager audience. After scoring the winning penalty and securing the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, Isco’s evident joy was palpable. Pellegrini’s Betis naturally evokes smiles, fostering an environment where inhibitions are laid to rest. With players like Isco, Giovani Lo Celso, Cardoso, Altimira, and now Antony, the Benito Villamarin is in safe hands for its final few months in its original form.
Always Watch Betis: A Farewell to Remember
As the Benito Villamarin prepares for its transformative renovation, Pellegrini’s team is ensuring that the stadium’s final season is one to remember. The combination of tactical ingenuity, youthful exuberance, and the joy of expression has made Betis a must-watch side. Whether it’s the dynamic play of the young pivots, the relentless pace of the frontline, or Isco’s creative brilliance, every match at the Villamarin is a celebration of football in its purest form. As the club’s supporters prepare to bid farewell to the historic stadium, they can take pride in the fact that its last days will be marked by thrilling performances and memorable victories. Always watch Betis, indeed, as the club continues to delight and inspire on the pitch.
