Isco arrived at Real Betis amid a whirlwind of opinions. For fans of Sevilla, his departure after a January shakeup felt like a betrayal, a moment when he shifted the spotlight from the city’s fierce derby to a new chapter on the green side of town. For some Betis supporters, skepticism lingered about a player whose recent form in Nervión did not scream immediate revival. Yet, the season would prove to be a turning point that challenged both clubs and supporters to reassess what Isco could offer beyond names and past prestige.
Isco brings Betis closer to Europe with late-game heroics against Osasuna
One decisive conversation set the course. A single call to Manuel Pellegrini steered Isco across the Guadalquivir, steering his craft toward a style built on patient buildup and creative control. He found himself back under the guidance of a manager who understood his strengths and could help him reclaim the joy of football. Betis, a club with its own philosophy, embraced a project that valued stability and long-term growth over immediate results. The atmosphere around the team began to shift as Isco settled into the rhythm of a squad that values footballing intelligence and collective effort.
Isco’s arrival brought a distinct identity to Betis, one that echoes the club’s historic emphasis on technical grace and tactical balance. The midfielder’s return to form did not come overnight; it emerged from a context where other leaders had to adapt, injuries were managed, and young talents were given space to grow. Isco became part of a group that relished the idea of playing attractive football while pursuing important league goals and European competition, a balance that has long defined Betis’ ambitions.
That season, Isco’s influence extended beyond goals and assists. He became a focal point for the team’s attacking transitions, often drawing defenders and creating space for teammates. His presence helped unlock matches that had previously stubbornly resisted breakthrough. The support from Villamarín, a stadium known for its fervor, rose alongside his performing hours. In many moments, his smile returned to the pitch, mirroring the confidence his teammates placed in him. His influence carried through the squad, contributing to performances that kept Betis in the hunt for continental qualification [Fuente: Real Betis Balompié].
The season’s tally reflected a versatile contribution: goals and assists spread across league and European competition, with a balance between individual brilliance and collective effort. More importantly, the perception around Isco began to shift. He was no longer judged solely on past exploits but as a player who could adapt to a different footballing environment, bring in fresh energy, and help Betis pursue ambitious targets with renewed determination. The narrative around his time at Betis soon became a story of resilience, adaptation, and a renewed connection with the game he loves [Fuente: Real Betis Balompié].
Betis’ supporters recognized the value of his experience, his ability to read the game, and his capacity to influence the tempo of matches. The team’s performance in key fixtures helped them build momentum toward European qualification, reinforcing the idea that Isco’s presence could be a catalyst for continued progress. While the season included its share of challenges, the collective mood around Betis shifted from cautious optimism to confident belief in a project that blends youth talent with seasoned leadership. The narrative around Isco became a reminder that football, at its best, mixes artistry with stubborn perseverance [Fuente: Real Betis Balompié].