Sevilla earned local bragging rights over Real Betis in a very different El Grand Derbi as LaLiga returned from its three-month coronavirus suspension behind closed doors.
Following a 93-day hiatus, the two city rivals played out an entertaining encounter at an empty Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, but the hosts were the superior side virtually throughout.
Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos hit the angle of post and crossbar with a fierce drive from a tight angle in the first half, while team-mate Jules Kounde headed inexplicably wide from close range following a corner.
Betis showed some neat touches in midfield, with moments of quality from Sergio Canales and Nabil Fekir, but Sevilla looked much sharper and will have been disappointed to go in goalless at the interval.
Julen Lopetegui’s side carried on pushing in the second half, however, and the breakthrough finally came after 56 minutes, when Ocampos converted from the penalty spot after Marc Bartra was penalised for climbing all over Luuk de Jong.
Fernando headed home six minutes after that to make it 2-0, with Ocampos producing some super skill to flick on a corner from the right. Sevilla had finally turned their dominance into goals.
Fekir came close to pulling one back moments later, but headed wide from close range following an excellent cross from Alex Moreno.
Betis coach Rubi made a number of changes in quick succession as he sought to freshen up his side’s attacking ideas.
Young Mexican Diego Lainez was a threat on occasions and veteran midfielder Joaquin saw a long effort blocked by Diego Carlos, but Sevilla held on through some late pressure and six minutes of added time to mark LaLiga’s return with a memorable derby win.
Sevilla stay third and move provisionally to within six points of second-placed Real Madrid, while Betis remain in 12th place.
