DBasia.news – Real Betis emerged as champions in the 2021-2022 Copa del Rey. This success is the perfect closing of the career of Joaquin Sanchez.
In the final match which took place at the Estadio de La Cartuja, Sunday (24/4), Betis defeated Valencia on a penalty shootout. The two teams drew 1-1 until the extra time ended.
The duel between the two teams was fierce. Betis, who appeared in their own city, were able to take the lead through Borja Iglesias’ header in the eleventh minute.
Though being left behind, it did not discourage Valencia. A cool finish from Hugo Duro in the 30th minute finally made it leveled.
Joaquin himself did not appear since the first minute. He was only played in the 86th minute replacing Juanmi.
Although he has failed to make a big impact since his debut, Joaquin has a big hand in Betis’ success. He became one of five penalty takers who did their job well.
Meanwhile, Yunus Musah is the only prisoner in Valencia. The execution showed no results.
Joaquin was very emotional in celebrating this success. This was understandable as he plans to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 season.
“We’ve been working on this for years, little by little, building in that direction. We’ve had a really good season, and all the fans here tonight deserved it,” Joaquin told Premier Sports.
“I’m emotional all the time, because I’ve seen the days of building this team in the city of Seville. The fans are so excited and tears of joy have just come to me.”
Joaquin is indeed a living legend of Betis. This is the second time he has presented the Copa del Rey trophy for Betis since 2005.
Joaquin didn’t defend Betis for the whole of his career. He had traveled to a number of clubs.
However, Joaquin’s career did not always shine when he left Betis. This is also what made him return home in 2015.
The 2021-2022 Copa del Rey final also felt special because Betis faced Valencia. Los Che had also been strengthened by Joaquin and brought him to win the same event in 2008.
Now Joaquin can retire in peace. However, he still has a chance to lead Betis to finish in the top four of the 2021-2022 LaLiga final standings.