Real Betis president declares 'war' with bitter swipe after Enzo Maresca message
Real Betis have refreshed tensions with Sevilla after their rivals congratulated Chelsea for their victory in the Conference League final. Chelsea put on an impressive display in the second half to come from a goal behind to run out deserved 4-1 winners in Poland on Wednesday night.
Abde Ezzalzouli put Betis ahead in the ninth minute with a cool finish, but the Spanish side were blown away after the break. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo saw the Blues become the first side to win all of the UEFA competitions and end their season on a high.
It was a bitter blow for Betis, who were playing in their first European final in the club's 117-year history. Their defeat was noted by Sevilla, who sparked some beef on social media with a cheeky post.
They wrote on X: "Congratulations to our beloved Enzo Maresca on his first European title as a coach." Chelsea boss Maresca spent four seasons with Sevilla as a player, making over 100 appearances and winning two UEFA Cups, but the message didn't go down well with Betis.
Club president Angel Haro couldn't resist having a pop back at their cross-city rivals, who finished 17th in La Liga this season, just one point above the relegation zone. 'I haven't seen it [the post], but they're now in another war,' Haro said after the game. 'We're growing, focusing on doing well next year, and they're in a very different war from ours.'
Asked if his club would have done a similar social media post, Haro replied: "Well, if it were up to me ... Well, never mind, I also congratulate Sevilla on staying in the first division this year.'
Chelsea were the heavy favourites coming into the match and their strength and depth proved the difference in the second half as Cole Palmer set up their first two goals with great crosses.
'We couldn't maintain the rhythm we expected,' said Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini. 'It was a tough opponent. A final rout that I don't think reflects the difference between the two teams,
"We mustn't forget that we were facing Chelsea. I'm disappointed that we outplayed them in the first half but then let it slip in the second half.'
Betis defender Marc Bartra added: 'In the second half, we probably needed to keep pressing higher. It's a source of pride to see the fans like this. I love this club for the way they always support us, the way they cheer us on.
'It's a source of pride even in defeat. It says a lot about this club. It seems like the season is worthless now, but we'll appreciate it more as time goes on."
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