Former Sevilla goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík has revealed that defeating Real Betis provided his greatest personal satisfaction during his time in Andalusia, outranking even the club’s continental triumphs. Currently a free agent at 37 years old, the Czech international reflected on his career in Spanish football during an interview with the Spanish daily AS.
Arriving at the Sánchez-Pizjuán
Vaclík joined Sevilla at the age of 29, brought to the club by Joaquín Caparrós. The Spanish side faced a significant rebuilding task in goal following the era of Unai Emery, who had rotated up to three goalkeepers during their respective European finals.
Reflecting on his time in southern Spain, Vaclík noted the swift transition to life at the club. «I arrived at 29 years old to a good team, to a beautiful city and with a great climate. It was a marvelous era», he told AS.
Derby Wins Over Real Betis
During his tenure at Sevilla, Vaclík experienced the intense rivalry of El Gran Derbi against Real Betis. While the club secured the UEFA Europa League title during his spell, the veteran goalkeeper singled out local derby victories as his most cherished memories on the pitch.
«Aside from the Europa League that we conquered, my greatest satisfaction was always beating Betis. I did it on three occasions», Vaclík stated. He added that victories against the Spanish giants proved harder to come by: «I was never able to beat Barcelona, and Real Madrid only once.» That lone victory against Real Madrid came in a memorable 3-0 triumph, a match played shortly after a frightening domestic accident involving his young daughter.
Bono Claims Starting Role After Vaclík Injury
Vaclík’s run as Sevilla’s starter was interrupted by a well-timed resurgence from teammate Yassine Bounou, known commonly as Bono. Following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and an untimely injury, Vaclík watched as Bono seized the opportunity to claim the starting role under Lopetegui.
«Bono had arrived at the team, who was a great goalkeeper, and he prepared very well for when the occasion arose», Vaclík acknowledged. «That arose when I got injured and he truly took advantage of it to become the starting goalkeeper.»
After departing Sevilla, Vaclík continued his career in Spain with Albacete, maintaining his ties to the country’s football ecosystem.
Evaluating the Spanish National Team
Now looking toward international fixtures, Vaclík maintains close ties to Czech football while assessing the strength of the Spanish national team ahead of upcoming matchups. He believes the gulf in quality stems from grassroots coaching structures across Spain.
«In Spain, from a very young age, they learn technique, tactics, and the capacity to compete», Vaclík observed. «Children understand football thanks to the work of the coaches and they go on developing that sense year after year until reaching the elite.»
Vaclík also addressed the appointment of Santi Denia, who is now his coach. «He belongs to the dominant force in football, which is Spain, and we have great confidence that he can give us the plus we need to keep growing», Vaclík said.
Future Ambitions Without Gloves Hung Up
Despite reaching 37 years of age, Vaclík remains without a club but continues working, refusing to announce his retirement from professional football.
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