Real Betis

Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Amongst other titles, the club - who holds the distinction of being the first from the region to compete in La Liga - won the top division league in 1935, adding two Copa del Rey trophies.

Both the King of Spain Juan Carlos I and his son Prince Felipe de Borbon are honorary members of the club. Maintaining an historic city rivalry with Sevilla FC, its motto is Viva er Betis manque pierda! ("Long live Betis even when they lose!").

History

The name is derived from Baetis, the Roman name for the Guadalquivir river. Betis initially attracted support from the working classes although a large number of aristocrats, including the King of Spain also supported the team. Real was added in 1914 after the club received patronage from King Alfonso XIII. Some fans argue the Betis is the true Real as it was the first to receive royal patronage.

Foundation

Great rivals Sevilla Football Club were officially created in October 1905. This was followed two years later (September 1907) by the city's second club Sevilla Balompié. Balompié literally translates as football, as opposed to the most commonly adopted anglicised version: futbol. Balompié was founded by students from the local Polytechnic Academy, and...
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