Real Betis are currently enjoying a good run of form after two consecutive victories. After a first part of the season in which Pellegrini‘s team were very much in question, they now seem to have found their game with a good performance from the squad and thanks also to the new signings in the winter transfer window.
Two consecutive league victories
As we said, Real Betis are having a good time in the league having won their last two games. First they beat Real Madrid at the Benito Villamarín. Brahim opened the scoring early on for the Whites, who were not at their best in defense and, with Cardoso to beat, went in at half-time level. In the second half, former Madrid player Isco made it 2-1 from the penalty spot.
This week, a very effective Betis beat UD Las Palmas 1-0 to record their fourth league win in a game in which Diego Llorente scored after the visitors were reduced to ten men following the sending off of Essugo (62′) and in which Jasper Cillesen saved a penalty from Isco Alarcón in injury time, moving them closer to fifth place and sinking the Canarians into the relegation zone.
A youth academy that stirs passions
Real Betis has a youth academy that provides players for the first team, but also for making deals. An example of this is Assane Diao, who has landed on his feet in Serie A. His emergence in the Italian championship is even better than his performance at Real Betis last season.
The attacker, who grew up in Badajoz, changed air last January in exchange for 11.5 million euros, although the Green and Whites reserve 20% of a future sale which, given the headlines since he has been wearing ‘biancoblù’, does not seem far off given the growing interest in the Premier League.
Jesús Rodríguez in the spotlight of the Premier League
A Premier League that has also set its sights on Real Betis’ new jewel, Jesús Rodríguez. Chelsea have been the latest team to show interest in signing him. The English team have begun to close in on a footballer who, since making his debut with the first team, has stood out for his directness, skill and self-confidence.
Currently, the young Sevillian (19 years old) has a contract in force until 2029 and a termination clause of €35 million, but given the growing interest, the Green and Whites are already thinking of adjusting the conditions of the current contract, mainly to raise the figure of his release clause to €50 million.
Lukaku’s advice to Jesús Rodríguez
In view of the interest in the Betis jewel, Romelu Lukaku has sent some very strong advice. To him, and to all the young people who are tempted by the ‘Blues’. Lukaku, 31, is well aware of the power of persuasion and the appeal of Chelsea and he has wanted to send a clear and forceful warning.
“Chelsea is a club that wears you down,” Lukaku said in an interview with Corriere dello Sport in which he talks about the mistakes he has made in his career. Among them, the striker says he regrets returning to Chelsea. ”Chelsea is a business. They tell you they don’t want you but if you ask to leave, they won’t let you go. They decide when and often also decide where you will end up. They always try to drag it out until the end. They project a wrong image of you in the press to put you in trouble. They wear you down and push you to the limit.” ‘Someday I will explain to younger kids who is really working for them and who is against them. I have seen things I never thought I would see,’ he said.