In Betis, Bellerin has found an institution with the same moral compass, one committed to championing sustainability and tackling social issues.

The 28-year-old is comfortable discussing such topics at length, from environmental concerns, to why other players don’t speak out and the pressure on modern-day footballers.

He covers the role of masculinity and mental health, suggesting not all footballers want to “drive massive cars and be so strong and so manly,”  and feels clubs should be obliged to provide psychologists and allow players time to work on their mental health.

The defender has always supported Betis’ social causes and, while on loan, participated in the Futbol Mas project with his girlfriend, visiting the poorest areas in suburban Seville to play football with youngsters and talk about emotions and relationships.

Now he takes a keen interest in Betis’ Forever Green initiative, a project that over the past three years has helped them become La Liga’s greenest club – among its many measures has been introducing electric bikes and scooters for employees.

“For me, sustainability has always been a big thing,” explains Bellerin, who is also a shareholder at Forest Green Rovers.

“It is something I take into account in every single decision in my life, and to be part of a football club that is conscious of that, that is trying to put systems in place for fans, for workers, for staff, and for players too, to make things easier in order to have a greener lifestyle, is important and an inspiration.”

On a personal level, Bellerin bikes to work from his home in central Seville, recycles, follows a vegan diet, uses public transport, and carefully researches any purchases. One of the “greener” things he encourages most, however, is to vote.

“Voting means you put someone in power that is going to put those green initiatives in,” he says.

“Sometimes, as consumers, we feel a lot of blame, but it is also the state and bigger companies that need to take responsibility because they are the ones that pollute the most.

“We have a great opportunity every time we vote so that we can make sure we create a more sustainable future.”

Bellerin is challenging football’s governing bodies to think smarter – fewer flights, not using new shirts every game and producing less waste, for example

“In almost every country in Europe we could travel on the train,” he explains.

“With Arsene Wenger [at Arsenal], every time we had to go to Manchester or Liverpool, we used to travel on the train, and those are very simple and cleaner options.”

He says change needs to be organic, but is also critical of expanding tournaments and hosting World Cups across multiple countries and continents. Not just because of the environmental impact, but also because of the strain it puts on fans.

“Football every day is more about margins, about how we can make more money, and less about the people that support it and the people that truly make football great,” says Bellerin.

“It is becoming something more elitist every day, in my opinion, and having it in three different countries makes it more difficult for fans to follow their nation.

“We are losing a little bit of the essence of what football truly is and who are the people that actually make football, which is the people who follow us and watch us every weekend.”

In that respect, Bellerin reveals he has just finished reading Nick Hornby’s 1992 classic Fever Pitch, and says football is “drifting from what it once was.”

“I understand that football, like every single industry, needs to modernise itself to be able to follow changes in society, but sometimes it can’t go that far,” adds Bellerin.

In the changing rooms at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, Bellerin has found a like-minded group of colleagues.

He would like to see more footballers speaking up but understands why many do not, citing cancel culture, critics, and clubs being keen to protect their stars.

“I feel that as we get older, we are all capable of expressing our views,” adds Bellerin. “It is important to exercise this influence that we have, not just football players.

“We have a group of players with whom we have had these conversations with our team-mates, we’ve had awkward conversations between us, and we’ve wanted to learn.

“We know that a lot of people, especially men, are sometimes not talking about mistakes because they are scared of being called hypocrites, because maybe in the past they’ve had different opinions because of the way we’ve been raised or the way we have been educated.

“People who don’t want to change are the ones who point the finger, call you a hypocrite, because they think that because you were one way a couple of years ago, you cannot be a different person today.

“I have had a lot of that. Me in the past, talking about sustainability, I used to buy lots of clothes – that doesn’t mean I want to do that today.

“When you live in a society that does not accept even a little mistake, it makes it harder for people to expose themselves.”

Asked how he feels when being told to “stick to football,”  Bellerin adds: “It is very funny because they only tell footballers to stick to football when they talk about something or do something that is not too masculine.

“When they play PlayStation and they drive fast cars, when we get drunk or whatever, there is nothing to say about that.

“But when Borja [Iglesias] painted his nails, or when I go to a fashion show, then that is when they question us, that is when whatever we do outside affects our football.”

As you would expect, Bellerin has no intention of just “sticking to football”, and nor would Betis expect him to.

“We talk about a team that plays European football, that has 60,000 people coming every weekend to the stadium,” he adds.

“From all the big clubs, especially here in Spain, Betis is setting an example and I am very proud of the work the club has in place and how it influences and promotes this kind of behaviour with its fanbase.”

The post ‘We are losing the essence of what football truly is’ appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torrres, Raphinha and Joao Cancelo were also on target for the champions.

Barcelona are a point ahead of Real Madrid, who host Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Barcelona had 66% of possession and created passing intricate moves to break down a Betis side whose best chance came when Willian Jose was denied from close range by goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Betis, who travel to Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, are ninth in the table.

The post Barcelona wallop Real Betis appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Groups of fans ignored guidance as they gathered outside the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium before the game, and some of the TV presentation left plenty to be desired.

But in Lucas Ocampos the hosts had the key man to win the first match played in Spain since the coronavirus pandemic halted proceedings on 10 March.

La Liga is the second of Europe’s big five leagues to resume, with the Premier League following suit next week.

The vast, empty stands were painted in ‘virtual support’ in what was sold beforehand as images of fans wearing club colours.

The actual effect was extremely low key though, looking more like a collage of coloured dots which were only visible on the one wide camera shot, with the ‘crowd’ disappearing whenever the director changed angle, and sometimes hovering in mid-air when a replay appeared.

At times, such as during some pre-arranged drinks breaks, the vacant stands displayed the message of ‘Safe sport, safe tourism – Spain welcomes you’.

When tourists return to Seville remains to be seen, but Champions League football may well soon – the home side are now within six points of Real Madrid.

Ocampos was the game’s key player throughout, rattling the crossbar from a narrow angle in the first half before breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot.

He then conjured an ingenious backheeled flick from a corner to find Fernando for the game-sealing second goal, Sevilla celebrating the three points just after midnight local time.

Leaders Barcelona are in action for the first time on Saturday, while Real Madrid play on Sunday.

The post Sevilla beat Real Betis in the Seville derby appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Barca had beaten Real Sociedad 1-0 on Saturday to go two points clear and Zinedine Zidane’s side were unable to respond with a victory of their own.

They fell behind to Sidnei’s stunning strike into the top corner, but levelled via Karim Benzema’s penalty.

Ex-Barcelona forward Cristian Tello was Betis’ match winner, stroking in on 82 minutes.

The Betis substitute broke clear and coolly slide the ball past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the hosts picked up only their eighth victory of the season to move up to 12th, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Rubi’s team looked far from a side struggling at the wrong end of the table, causing Real Madrid all sorts of problems as Marc Bartra somehow headed over from six yards out with the whole goal to aim at.

Veteran winger Joaquin went round Courtois and looked to be slipping the ball into an empty net but was denied by Luka Modric’s goal-saving interception on the line.

The Belgium international goalkeeper also made a stunning save to tip Nabil Fekir’s thunderous, first-time strike over the crossbar.

After taking the lead through Sidnei’s superb effort, the goalscorer went from hero to villain by bringing down Marcelo inside the area and allowing Benzema to equalise.

The winner came courtesy of Benzema’s loose pass which was picked off by Andres Guardado, who popped the ball off for Tello and he made no mistake.

Real Madrid pushed for the equaliser but Ferland Mendy’s curling shot was brilliant tipped onto the crossbar by Joel Robles’ flying save and Benzema curled narrowly wide in the 95th minute.

The post Real Madrid suffer shock defeat at Betis to hand Barca initiative in title race appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The champions twice came from behind to level before Lenglet headed in Lionel Messi’s 73rd-minute free-kick.

Sergio Canales’ sixth-minute penalty gave Betis an early lead but Frenkie de Jong levelled three minutes later.

Nabil Fekir’s fine strike restored the hosts’ advantage only for Sergio Busquets to make it 2-2 at half-time.

Trailing 3-2, Betis were reduced to 10 men after Nabil Fekir received two yellow cards in quick succession but Lenglet’s dismissal made for a tense finale.

Earlier, leaders Real Madrid had beaten Osasuna 4-1 to go six points clear.

It had been a difficult week for Barcelona after they were dumped out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by Athletic Bilbao and the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal publically criticised the players for not working hard enough.

Things worsened for Quique Setien’s side after Lenglet handled in the box inside the opening five minutes and former Real Madrid player Canales confidently converted from the spot.

But Barcelona fought hard to twice level, De Jong and Busquets both also converting from Messi assists, before sustained pressure in the second period eventually wore the hosts down.

Setien’s chasing side remain in touch with Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid, who they will face in La Liga in three weeks time.

The post Barcelona come back to beat Real Betis appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Firpo, 22, is Barcelona’s fourth recruit of the close season after the Catalans signed forward Antoine Griezmann, midfielder Frenkie De Jong and goalkeeper Neto.

“FC Barcelona and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the transfer of Junior Firpo for an amount of 18 million euros plus 12 million euros in variables.

“The player will sign a contract with the club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024, with a termination clause of 200 million euros,”Barcelona said in a statement

Firpo played 24 times in La Liga last season, scoring three goals and grabbing four assists as Betis finished 10th.

Barcelona begin their league title defence on Aug. 16 when they travel to Athletic Bilbao

The post Barcelona sign Firpo from real Betis on five-year contract appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The capital city side therefore missed a golden chance to close the gap with leaders Barcelona and slipping six points adrift of the Catalans.

Alvaro Morata made his debut for Atletico after completing a loan move from Chelsea, but it was another former Real Madrid player in Sergio Canales who made the difference.

He scored a penalty midway through the second half to give Betis a victory which took them up to sixth in the table.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone was without five regular starters but was still able to field what looked to be an exciting, attacking lineup.

Pacey wingers Angel Correa and Thomas Lemar partnered Morata and the talismanic Antoine Griezmann up front.

Barca’s 2-2 draw with Valencia a day earlier had given Atletico the opportunity to move within three points of their title rivals yet they struggled to get a hold on the game.

It took a spectacular save from Jan Oblak to prevent Zouhair Feddal heading Betis in front midway through the first half.

Filipe Luis gave away the penalty which decided the game, striking the ball with his left arm as he attempted to chest it down.

And although Oblak dived the right way, Canales’ spot-kick was too powerful for the Slovenian to reach.

Barca lead the standings on 50 points after 22 games, Atletico are second with 44 while third-placed Real Madrid.

Madrid, who will play at home to Alaves later on Sunday and visit Atletico next week, have 39 points.

“We cannot be happy as we failed to close the gap with Barca. It was a very even game, but we can’t afford to dwell any more on this, we have to think about our next game immediately,” said Atletico defender Juanfran.

“No-one here is going to give up because there’s still a long way to go in the season.”

Atletico had a penalty appeal of their own late in the game when Morata went down under a challenge from Feddal.

Griezmann also went closest to scoring for the visitors when he hit the post after the interval.

Atletico had 13 shots at Pau Lopez’s goal, but only managed to hit the target once, losing for the first time in the league since going down to a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Sept. 1.

“Both teams had few chances and we couldn’t find a solution as the minutes ticked down,” said Simeone.

“Morata had a good game considering it was his first game and we hope he will be able to contribute more to the team the longer he spends with us.

“I’m trying to be optimistic, at least we are only six points behind as Barca drew, and the distance could have been bigger.”

The post Atletico suffer defeat at Betis in Morata La Liga debut appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Barca last endured defeat on their own patch against Alaves in September 2016 but, following 42 games unbeaten, their run was halted by a brilliant, counter-attacking display from Betis.

After five games out injured, Messi returned to Barca’s starting line-up but his two goals, one from the penalty spot and another deep into injury-time, proved little more than consolations.

Junior Firpo and Joaquin had put Betis two up at the interval before Messi sparked hopes of a comeback from the spot.

Giovani Lo Celso then capitalised on a rare mistake from Marc-Andre ter Stegen only for Barca to come again, Arturo Vidal making it 3-2, having come on as a substitute.

Ivan Rakitic was sent off, however, with nine minutes left and Sergio Canales added a fourth for Betis before Messi poked home in the 92nd minute.

Barca stay top of the table despite the defeat but their lead is down to one point, with Atletico Madrid now breathing down their necks in second, while Espanyol will have a chance to move level on points with the Catalans when they visit Sevilla later on Sunday.

Ernesto Valverde’s Barca play Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano after the international break.

Betis seemed faster, sharper and hungrier while Barcelona’s midfield was repeatedly carved open on the break.

It took five passes for the opener, the last a first-time drive from William Carvalho to free Junior down the left. He weaved inside Sergi Roberto and found the net.

Barca had chances. Messi’s free-kick found Clement Lenglet on the stretch but his lunging finish was tipped over by Pau Lopez. Ter Stegen denied Cristian Tello with his legs.

Betis were soon pouring onto Barca´s defence again, with Junior’s cross evading everyone before finding Lo Celso on the opposite side of the box. His cute cut-back picked out veteran winger Joaquin, who stabbed in Betis’ second.

Vidal replaced the jaded Arthur Melo at half-time and shot within a minute of the restart. Messi feathered a through-ball for Sergi but Betis survived the scramble as Luis Suarez lashed wide.

Barca had the momentum and in the 68th minute, they pulled one back, with Jordi Alba pulled down by Tello, and Messi converting the penalty for his eighth league goal of the season.

But the comeback stalled three minutes later as Betis restored their two-goal advantage. Ter Stegen made the error, letting Lo Celso’s shot slip through his fingers and into the far corner.

Barca were not done yet. Two substitutes combined for a second, Munir El Haddadi laying on Vidal to make it 3-2 but no sooner had the recovery began again, it was halted.

First, Rakitic was sent off, a second yellow card for a late challenge on Lo Celso, and then Canales pushed in Betis’ fourth from Junior’s cross.

Messi added his second in injury-time, tapping a Vidal pass over the line. The video assistant referee deemed Messi onside but there was no more late drama as Betis held on for a shock victory.

The post Barcelona suffer first league home loss in two years appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

He was given a one-match ban for being shown two yellow cards and a further four for pushing the referee in the back after he had been sent off.

The bookings at the Nou Camp were for taking off his shirt to celebrate his goal to make it 2-1 and for a dive.

He will miss Wednesday’s second leg but has 10 days to appeal.

The Portugal international will be able to play in the Champions League but will not return to domestic action until 20 September against Real Betis.

The post Ronaldo banned for five matches for pushing referee appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Betis dominated and hit the woodwork through Dani Ceballos and Ruben Castro before Alex Alegria put them ahead.

But Barca were furious not to be level when Aissa Mandi hooked the ball away from about a foot behind the line, with La Liga not having goalline technology.

However, Suarez converted Lionel Messi’s pass to level in the last minute.

FC Barcelona remain one point behind Real Madrid, who have two games in hand including Sunday’s home game with Real Sociedad.

La Liga is the only one of Europe’s top five leagues not to have goalline technology.

The Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 have all brought it in in the past few years.

The Spanish league has continually said it will not bring in the system because it is too expensive.

But the calls for it will increase after FC Barcelona were denied a legitimate goal that could have a big impact in the title race.

Soon after Real Betis took the lead, Aleix Vidal’s cross was sent towards goal by a Betis defender and Mandi slid the ball off the crossbar and away.

But replays clearly showed it was well over the line.

In spite of the fact FC Barcelona had a legitimate goal ruled out, the champions were fortunate — on the balance of play — to have even drawn.

Betis had 17 shots to FC Barcelona’s 10 and Ceballos hit the crossbar from outside the box before Castro smashed the post from close range — both at 0-0.

They had a glorious chance to seal the game at 1-0 when top scorer Castro was played in one-on-one as Barca took risks.

But he fired the ball straight at goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Real Betis have now risen one place to 13th on the La Liga table.

Follow Us

“

The post Suarez rescues point for Barca after goalline controversy appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.