Real Bets and Sevilla draw in tempestuous derby
The arch-rivals might have experienced contrasting fortunes this campaign, but there was little between the sides in the opening exchanges and Sevilla, clearly fired up by the big occasion, began with intent knowing a positive result would move them out of the bottom-three.
The wild chorus from the home faithful only added to some early chaos which saw Betis rattle the woodwork after a whipped Nabil Fekir free-kick created confusion in Sevilla’s box.
Numerous fouls disrupted a ferocious affair, though Rafa Mir should have done better when a defensive error allowed him through on goal.
The visitor’s aggressive approach would come back to haunt them soon after, as Gonzalo Montiel was dismissed for a late challenge, with Betis capitalising minutes later after a freak deflection off substitute Jesus Navas saw him register an own goal with his first touch.
Amazingly, the first-half drama didn’t end there as Fekir then received his marching orders for a stray arm with the derby descending into a fireball of ill-intention.
Sevilla languished in the relegation zone after 12 games for the first time this century and Borja Iglesias almost piled on more misery after the break, but he lacked the necessary composure to finish a marauding run.
It would be the forward’s turn to see straight red just moments later after a raking challenge left an exhausted-looking referee little choice, with Sampaoli making immediate changes in search of a vital leveller.
In one of Betis’ rare forays into their opponents half, a cynical foul from Papu Gomez led to tensions boiling over again as a member of coaching staff was sent to the changing rooms.
Keeping in line with the frenzied nature of the game, Nemanja Gudelj then smashed a 30-yard effort into the top corner, leaving Claudio Bravo without a prayer.
Sevilla continued their march into the Betis penalty area in the final minutes, but the valiant hosts held out to take a potentially crucial point in their race for a top-four finish.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla)