By David V.
June 4th 2009 @ 1:25am
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Betis’ poor form means Primera Liga relegation
On Sunday, 55,000 people turned out to see Real Betis draw 1-1 with Real Valladolid. The result confirmed Betis’ eighth relegation from the Primera Liga in the last 50 years.
Coach Jose Maria Nogues contends that they were undeservedly relegated. Yes, football is a cruel sport.
Look at the squad and it’s hard to fathom how a side with players such as Juanito, Arzu, Capi, Mark Gonzalez and Edu could finish in the bottom three.
But this is a side that has regressed since 2005.
Ievitably, comparisons can be made with Newcastle United: big crowds to games, an expensive squad, a fierce local rivalry, and a painful decline in fortunes. (At least Real Betis won a Cup in 2005, and had won one in 1977).
But Newcastle’s relegation was, to put it bluntly, as expected as it was deserved, simply for the pitiful lack of fight shown after going behind at Villa Park.
Longtime owner Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, who revitalised the club in the early 1990s, is increasingly unpopular with Betis fans. He may well have to find a buyer for a club that warrants Primera football.
And surely they will be well placed to bounce straight back up provided the right decisions are made, as they had done in 2001.
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David V. said | June 8th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
I should also have mentioned that Betis did pay a world record fee for Denilson, who never lived up to the hype, and Betis were relegated two years later- with Guus Hiddink in charge!