The camera rests on the couch inside the Pizjuán as a Sevilla derby approaches, a clash that transcends mere bragging rights. In the buildup, the confirmed Sevilla starting XI is revealed, and one name is notably absent: Sergio Ramos will not take the field. Diego Alonso, stepping into the Sevilla hot seat, faces his first derby without one of the club’s marquee signings. The burning question on many lips is simple: why is Ramos sidelined for this pivotal match?
Fans can follow every moment of the action with live coverage. The Seville derby between Sevilla and Betis is available on television and through live online streams provided by DAZN, with La Liga EA Sports 2023-2024 as the backdrop for a fierce battle between two longtime rivals.
Why isn’t Sergio Ramos featuring in the Sevilla-Betis derby in La Liga 2023-24?
Alonso’s starting lineup blends seasoned presence with youthful energy, signaling the new coach’s intent to set a strong tone in Seville. The lineup features Dmitrovic in goal, shielded by dependable full-backs and a central pairing of Badé and Gudelj. Pedrosa lines up in the midfield, while Soumaré and Sow provide propulsion in the engine room. Rakitic, a trusted playmaker, anchors the spine, with Ocampos and Óliver Torres offering width and ingenuity from the flanks. Up front, En-Nesyri serves as the central reference point for attacks and a key component of pressing plans. Yes, Ramos is not among the starters.
The decision to omit the former Real Madrid stalwart stems from a physical issue rather than tactical preference. Ramos has been dealing with discomfort in the soleus muscle, a area prone to flare-ups under the sprinting, abrupt stopping, and high-intensity duels that define a derby. Sevilla weighed the risk of aggravating the problem against the immediate needs of the match and chose a lineup capable of competing at the highest level while safeguarding the captain’s long-term health. The coaching staff monitored Ramos closely, but the realities of a derby demand full confidence in a player’s readiness. Physical readiness is non-negotiable in a fixture of this magnitude, where every challenge and sprint can influence the result. The club’s medical team and Alonso agreed that Ramos would benefit from patient rehabilitation rather than risking further complications that could sideline him for an extended period.
For Sevilla, maintaining balance means leaning on a squad that shares the club’s philosophy and can handle the derby’s tempo. Alonso’s selections emphasize ball retention, disciplined pressing, and rapid transitions from defense to attack. While Ramos’s leadership would be welcome, the immediate choice prioritizes continued availability for upcoming fixtures. The match serves as a proving ground for Alonso’s approach, as he blends new ideas with a squad that is accustomed to intense, regional battles. In the end, the derby demands more than individual star power; it requires execution, resilience, and a collective effort to set the pace from the first whistle.
With Ramos unavailable, Sevilla shifts its focus to executing the game plan and leveraging the strengths of the squad that remains. The lineup balances durability, experience, and creativity, aiming to neutralize Betis’s threats while carving out chances of their own. The atmosphere inside the stadium crackles with anticipation, as supporters hope the team’s preparation translates into tangible performance on the day. The derby remains a proving ground for the club’s ambitions, testing cohesion, tactical clarity, and personal performance under pressure.