Héctor Bellerín captained Real Betis through a full 90-minute performance in a 3-1 pre-season friendly victory against Arsenal in Dublin, highlighting an emotional encounter against the Premier League club where he spent a decade of his career.
Bellerín Leads Real Betis After Emotional Gesture From Teammates
The pre-season fixture carried profound personal significance for the Spanish full-back. Bellerín spent 10 years within Arsenal’s youth and senior setups, arriving in north London at age 16 before departing at 26. Recognizing the weight of the occasion, Betis teammates Marc Bartra and Isco orchestrated a notable display of camaraderie before kickoff.
Both players willingly yielded their leadership duties, handing the captain’s armband to Bellerín so he could lead out the verdiblanco squad against his former club.
Assessing the Pre-Season Performance in Dublin
Speaking after the final whistle, Bellerín emphasized the competitive and entertaining nature of the summer test in the Irish capital.
“It has been very nice to be able to enjoy these types of matches that are entertaining, where the ball and control are shared and there are opportunities for both,” Bellerín stated regarding the flow of the match. “The team has played a great game.”
Next Steps for Real Betis on the Summer Schedule
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