Betis' lead did not last long though, as Torres levelled proceedings just five minutes later, firing home off Jules Kounde's near-post centre before completing a quickfire brace soon after, steering a low shot through Alvaro Valles' legs. Roony Bardghji made it three and scored his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion just past the half-hour mark, unleashing a brilliant first-time weak-foot strike into the top corner.
Leeds United and Everton are looking to improve their defensive unit during the January transfer window, and they are keen on Natan. The Real Betis defender has done quite well in La Liga, and he has attracted the attention of the Premier League club. According to a report from Fichajes, he will cost around 40 million. It will be interesting to see which of the two English clubs decides to follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season.
Having missed the Deportivo Alaves clash due to personal reasons, the Dutchman was tipped to start against Los Rojiblancos, but was left out of the squad as he was suffering from a fever. De Jong has recovered. Now, according to journalist Javi Miguel of AS, De Jong has recovered from his fever and is currently at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva training facilities. This is a positive development for the Blaugrana as they get set to take on Real Betis away from home on Saturday.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Colombian attacker Cucho Hernandez in January. According to Fichajes, they have offered around 26 million to sign the versatile forward. It remains to be seen whether Real Betis are prepared to sanction his departure. He has been a key player for them, and he could prove to be a useful addition to Manchester United. They have invested in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko during the summer transfer window.
Then one day, Sao Paulo's president summoned me and my former agent. That alone was terrifying for a kid, since contact with the president was rare. He told me the club had received a $12 million bid from Barcelona and intended to accept it. I had no clue what $12m even worked out as in reais. At that point, whatever they said, I would have agreed to it.
Real Betis are a very ambitious club with a strong following who have played in major European competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League, and reached the final of the Conference League last season, which they lost to Chelsea. Los Verdiblancos ended up as high as seventh in the La Liga table in the 2023-24 season and did better last season.
But when I spoke to Bayern, I told them that the deal with Betis was 95% complete, and that I would honour my word. I would do so out of respect and love and because I know that I am very happy here. I don't know if they were offering me €7 million ($8.15m) [in wages]. With all respect I have for Bayern, which is a world-class club, I am at ease with the decision I've taken. I don't know what will happen in the future but I feel very calm about the decision I've taken.
Manchester United have accepted a bid from Real Betis for Antony, according to Old Trafford sources. While sources at Betis say there are still issues to resolve, as far as United are concerned the transfer is agreed, to the point where Antony has been given permission to travel to Spain to complete his medical. The 25-year-old helped guide the La Liga club to a European spot during a loan spell in the second half of last season and was part of the side who were beaten by Chelsea in the Conference League final.
Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira admitted that things that shouldn't happen occurred in the friendly against Como. The incident was sparked by heavy challenges on midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Isco, leading to punches being traded between Pablo Fornals and Como's Maxi Perrone.
Real Betis is positioning itself as a contender for Bryan Zaragoza amidst stalled negotiations between Bayern Munich and Celta Vigo, creating a potential opportunity for the Spanish club.
Mateo Joseph has been linked with a move from Leeds United as he seeks regular opportunities after struggling for game time. His performances for the U21 Spanish team have drawn interest from Real Betis. Negotiations between the clubs have stalled due to a lack of agreement on a transfer fee, creating a standoff. If he stays at Leeds, he could become an important player with the right guidance. The chance to play in Spain with Real Betis remains appealing for him.