In a game that brought an end to the era of the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Real Betis and Valencia CF drew 1-1 in the last LaLiga encounter of the 2024–2025 campaign on Friday, May 23, 2025. The match closed out the season and also bid farewell to the current stadium ahead of the commencement of massive reconstruction.
⚽ Match Summary
The match started at 21:00 in an electric atmosphere, with over 51,000 fans in attendance crammed inside the Benito Villamarín for the final time as it currently is. The two sides showed attacking intent, with Betis in possession at the outset and Valencia rapid on the counter.
First Half: Antony Scores for Betis
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Real Betis were scored upon by Brazilian winger Antony dos Santos. The goal came courtesy of a slick team move initiated by Sergi Altimira and Isco, with Antony slotting it coolly to win the game 1-0.
Antony's party was a sentimental one—he produced a T-shirt that said \"Antonio de Triana,\ " honoring his homegrown origins and the Betis supporters. His goal was his 9th since arriving in January and put the fans into raptures.
Read more: Rafa Mir anula la fiesta de Antony - AS
⚔️ Second Half: Rafa Mir's Equalizer
Valencia responded in the second half, and their persistence was eventually richly rewarded in the 75th minute. Sub Rafa Mir scored with a thumping equalizer after a precision cross by André Almeida. The goal ensured a draw for the visitors and dampened what had otherwise been a party Betis crowd.
This result capped off an OK game by Rafa Mir, who has been Valencia's go-to guy from the bench this season.
More about the match: El Valencia cierra la temporada con un empate frente al Betis - Cadena SER
Goodbye to Benito Villamarín
The 1-1 draw was not another result—it was the final match at Benito Villamarín before the stadium will undergo massive renovations. During the construction period, Betis will host games at Estadio de La Cartuja.
Supporters unfurled banners and flags and chanted all along, making the sendoff fitting. Supporters already can't wait for the club's next Europa Conference League final against Chelsea, with European glory dreams.
Read the full stadium farewell news article: Empate, fiesta y adiós al Benito Villamarín - El País
Final Standings
- Real Betis: Finished 6th in LaLiga, securing a European qualification for next season.
- Valencia CF: Ended the season at 12th position, wrapping up a year of highs and lows.
Conclusion
The match may have been level at the end, but it was a night of passion, of nostalgia, and of optimism for the future. As Betis prepares to turn the page into a new one, in a new stadium, supporters will never forget the night Antony and Rafa Mir lit up the Benito Villamarín for the final time.
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