The city of Seville braces itself for the most anticipated clash on the Spanish football calendar: El Gran Derbi. On Sunday, November 28, 2025, the electric Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium will ignite as bitter rivals Sevilla FC host Real Betis Balompié in a pivotal La Liga encounter. More than just three points are at stake; this is a battle for bragging rights, pride, and a significant boost in the league standings.
Sevilla’s Precarious Position: Searching for Consistency
Sevilla enters this monumental derby enduring a challenging period. Currently sitting 11th in the La Liga table with 16 points from 13 matches, the hosts have struggled to find their rhythm under coach Matias Almeyda. Their recent 2-1 defeat against Espanyol underscored their current woes, extending a worrying run of form that has seen them secure just one victory in their last five league outings, alongside four defeats.
Home comforts at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán have been elusive, with Sevilla managing only two wins, one draw, and three losses on their own turf this season. Defensively, they’ve shown vulnerabilities, conceding 21 goals while scoring 19, indicating a pressing need for balance across the pitch. While flashes of individual brilliance have appeared, a sustained period of top-tier performance expected from a club of Sevilla’s stature has yet to materialize. This derby represents a crucial opportunity to turn their season around.
For the latest La Liga standings and Sevilla’s full season statistics, visit the Official La Liga Website.
Real Betis: Riding a Wave of Momentum
In stark contrast, Real Betis arrives at the Pizjuán in formidable shape. Manuel Pellegrini’s side occupies an impressive fifth position with 21 points, built on a solid foundation of five wins, six draws, and just two defeats in the league. Their recent 1-1 draw against Girona extended their unbeaten run in La Liga, a testament to their consistency and tactical discipline.
Adding to their confidence, the Verdeblancos secured a morale-boosting 2-1 away victory over Utrecht in the Europa League mid-week. Betis has demonstrated excellent squad balance throughout the season, netting 20 goals while conceding a mere 14, showcasing Pellegrini’s well-drilled and structured approach. Their overall form across all competitions is robust, with three wins and two draws in their last five encounters.
A particularly impressive statistic is their away record: Betis remains undefeated on the road in La Liga this season, claiming one win and five draws from six away fixtures. This resilience could prove decisive in the intensely hostile atmosphere of the Seville derby.
Explore Real Betis’ current form and fixtures on the Official La Liga Website.
Head-to-Head: A Fiercely Contested History
The recent history of the Seville derby underscores its unpredictable nature. In their last encounter, Betis clinched a 2-1 home victory, providing a psychological edge. However, examining the last five meetings reveals a finely balanced rivalry: Sevilla has secured two wins, Betis one, with two draws. Each derby is a standalone battle, often defying form books and expectations.
Key Absentees: Who’s Missing from El Gran Derbi?
Both sides face significant challenges due to injuries and suspensions, which could heavily influence the outcome:
- Sevilla:
- Adnan Januzaj (hamstring, until mid-December)
- Cesar Azpilicueta (doubtful, muscle problem)
- Isaac Romero (injury)
- Tanguy Nianzou (thigh, until mid-January)
- Real Betis:
- Antony (suspension, red card)
- Sofyan Amrabat (leg injury, until mid-December)
- Pau Lopez (tendon injury, returned to training but unlikely to feature)
- Isco (fresh leg injury)
Tactical Outlook & Prediction
The contrast in form and injury woes paints a challenging picture for Sevilla. Real Betis, under Pellegrini, epitomizes defensive discipline and midfield control. If they can assert dominance in the midfield battle and maintain their robust defensive structure, they are well-positioned to exploit Sevilla’s current inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities.
Sevilla’s struggles to break down organized defenses, coupled with their significant injury list, make this an uphill battle. While the derby atmosphere can often inspire teams beyond their usual capabilities, Betis’ superior form and tactical cohesion give them a distinct advantage. Expect a fiercely contested match, but one where Betis’ solidity might just tip the scales in their favor.
