The president of Ceuta, Juan Vivas, has publicly thanked Real Betis Balompié for a solidarity gesture that moved the autonomous city. The Sevillian club displayed the flag of Ceuta at La Cartuja stadium before last Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports match against Real Madrid, a game that ended with a 1-0 victory for Betis in front of 66,046 spectators.
This act resonated deeply within the Ceuta community. Hundreds of residents shared images of the moment on social media after watching the broadcast. Vivas described the emotional impact with clear words. "Te puedo asegurar que nos llegó al alma, que nos hizo sentir que no estamos solos en este duro trance" (I can assure you it touched our souls, it made us feel we are not alone in this difficult time), stated the president.
What did the gesture mean for Ceuta?
For the autonomous city, the display of its flag on a top-tier stage like La Cartuja represented a visible recognition. Juan Vivas emphasized that Betis's action went beyond sports. He noted it generated a feeling of companionship and support during a complex period for Ceuta. The president did not hesitate to declare a new football allegiance for his people as a direct result of the gesture.
"A partir de ayer, todos los ceutíes somos béticos" (From yesterday onward, all Ceutans are béticos), Vivas stated. This declaration turns a symbolic act into a tangible link between the Seville institution and the North African territory. The social media reaction confirms the message was received and celebrated widely.
How does this win fit into Betis's season?
The victory over Real Madrid comes at a time of great solidity for Manuel Pellegrini's team. Betis currently occupies third place in the LaLiga standings, with 9 points from four matchdays. Their record is three wins and one loss, with a recent results streak reflected in the WLWW sequence. You can check the full evolution in the standings.
For goals, the team has scored 5 and conceded 5, maintaining a neutral goal difference. This win against the reigning champion injects an extra dose of confidence for the initial phase of the competition. However, the coaching staff must manage a significant injury list that includes Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, Diego Llorente, and Giovani Lo Celso. The squad status is updated on our injuries page.
What is the team's next challenge?
The schedule offers no respite for the green-and-white side. The next fixture is a trip to La Cerámica to face Villarreal on September 14. The Yellow Submarine currently sits in fifteenth place, making the match an opportunity to earn points away from home. All information about upcoming matches is available on the fixtures calendar.
Preparation for that duel will be conditioned by the mentioned absences, requiring tactical adjustments and possibly giving minutes to academy players. The victory at La Cartuja, crowned by a gesture loaded with human meaning, leaves Betis in high spirits but already focused on the next task away from home.
