2025: A Year of Growth for Real Betis

The year 2025 is drawing to a close, and it has been a remarkable period for Real Betis. As Manuel Pellegrini aptly summarized, “The best achievement of 2025 should be the least they accomplish in 2026.” This year has seen substantial growth for the verdiblancos, highlighted by a notable winter transfer window that propelled the team to its first European final in over a century. There have been far more triumphs than setbacks.

Amid a rough patch and an early exit from the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, the sporting director Manu Fajardo made decisive moves by transferring Juanmi and later Vitor Roque in January. This strategy allowed the club to secure Cucho Hernández and Antony, a bold decision that turned into the standout signing of the winter market. Additionally, the emergence of Jesús Rodríguez and the resurgence of Isco have further invigorated Pellegrini’s squad.

On May 28, thousands of Betis fans traveled to Wroclaw to witness the club’s historical first European final. Although they were unable to overcome the wealthy Chelsea, losing 1-4, the experience has ignited a desire for more nights like that. This season, the team is competing in the Europa League, and having missed out on Champions League qualification last year, they aim to make a significant impact. They entered December unbeaten and secured at least a spot in the knockout rounds of the second continental tournament.

2025 also marked a shift in Manuel Pellegrini’s performance in derbies, with two victories against Sevilla this year. On March 30, Betis triumphed 2-1, thanks to goals from Cucho Hernández and Cardoso, overcoming an initial strike from Rubén Vargas. Just a month ago, they clinched three points at the Sánchez-Pizjuán in the first encounter of this season’s rivalry. This achievement marked the first time in over 30 years that Betis has won consecutive matches against Sevilla in LaLiga.

Another significant highlight of 2025 is the commencement of construction on their new stadium, which necessitated the demolition of the Benito Villamarín and a temporary relocation to La Cartuja as the site for home matches until the project is completed. Pellegrini renewed his contract, as did Isco, and fans will remember the warm welcome extended to Antony at the San Pablo airport terminal and his subsequent presentation along the Guadalquivir River after fulfilling his dream of joining the Andalusian side on loan. As we usher in 2026, the future looks promising.