Real Betis

Real Betis Balompié, SAD, more commonly referred to as Real Betis (pronounced: [reˈal ˈβetis]) or just Betis, is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it plays in La Liga, having won the Segunda División in the 2014–15 season. It holds home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín in the south of the city.

Among other titles, the club – which in 1932 became the first Andalusian team to play in La Liga – won the league title in 1935 and the Copa del Rey in 1977 and 2005.

Maintaining an historic city rivalry with Sevilla FC, its motto is Viva el Betis manque pierda! ("Long live Betis even when they lose!").

History

The name is derived from Baetis, the Roman name for the Guadalquivir river which passes through Seville. 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.