I confess to having mixed emotions when I came out of the cinema last night to learn that a goal from Roque Santa Cruz had sent Málaga into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Initially, I must admit, I felt a twinge of disappointment. The cities of Sevilla and Málaga have no great affection for each other, and the fans of their football teams even less so. This season in particular, with both sides chasing that fourth place, us Béticos are pretty hardwired to hope the Boquerones lose - and, of course, seeing one of your erstwhile heroes scoring important goals for someone else is always a bit like hearing that your ex has found someone new.
But on the other hand, didn't we just play Málag off the park the other week? In fact, remembering the 1-0 defeat of Real Madrid in November, it turns out that Betis have given sound beatings to two of the Champions League last eight. In other words, Pepe Mel's side are already up among the continent's best football teams, whether or not we get the chance to prove it next season. And anyway, with Málaga in line for at least another couple of important European games, surely that'll make them more vulnerable domestically? Their single-point advantage over Betis won't last long if they take their eye off the ball on weekends.
And finally, would any of us swap Dorlan Pabón for RSC right now? I don't think so. He took a while to click, but the Colombian has made such an impression in his last three performances for Betis that tentative feelers are already being put out to see if he can't stay beyond the end of this season (when, in theory, he's due to move on to Mexican team Monterrey).
So, while I'm mildly jealous of Málaga's triumph last night, my overall conclusion is that we're still better off as Béticos. But you knew that already, didn't you?
Santa Cruz has been so good for Malaga this season. I miss him alot to be honest, and i also wish there where more loyal players like him nowdays. It's hard to NOT like players like him.
But i wouldn't swap Pabón for Santa Cruz though. Pabón is much younger and have potential to be really great, while Santa Cruz is becoming old. Pabón can also play on the wing, which is good. And also, we have Molina, who is quite simlular player as Santa Cruz.
Posted by: Linus | Thursday, 14 March 2013 at 12:23 PM
Maybe it's because I live in the US and don't get to experience the "rivalry" aspect as much, but Malaga are actually the team I'm rooting for in the Champion's League this year. I want a La Liga side to go far and Malaga seem nowhere near as insufferable and irritating as RM/Barça. Plus they have a likable coach, an American, and two popular ex-Beticos on their squad. As for Roque Santa Cruz, I guess you can't really fault him for wanting a bigger paycheck! If he were my ex (ha! I wish!) I guess we would "still be friends" ;)
Plus I've kind of had a soft spot for Malaga ever since I saw a video of the hugging grandfather and grandson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9q1LCmzMbY). I hope they were celebrating last night!
Posted by: Theresa | Thursday, 14 March 2013 at 07:44 PM