At last, little by little, we are returning to normality. We are getting back to the life we used to lead, albeit with a few differences, and gradually we will return to complete normality. In the world of football, too, the major leagues are returning, although, of course, with some changes. We have seen matches played in empty stadiums, without fans, without that true spirit that brings football to life. We have also seen changes to the rules, such as the option to make five substitutions instead of three. For many teams this has been an advantage, but for others not so much. In fact, managers of smaller teams have complained, as, according to them, this new rule favours the big clubs – those with higher-calibre players and, above all, more world-class players in their squads. These are teams that can afford to leave outstanding players on the bench. What do you think?
Furthermore, in last night’s match between Sevilla and Betis, which ended 2–0 in favour of the players wearing the Sevilla jersey, we saw several stoppages during the game to allow the players to rest and catch their breath following this long break, and also due to the high temperatures on the horizon. Focusing on this match, we saw how Lopetegui’s players were clearly superior to those wearing the Betis jersey. Sevilla took the lead thanks to a highly controversial penalty, converted by Ocampos, one of Sevilla’s most in-form players during the 2019–2020 season. In the second half, the second goal came from a corner. Despite the absence of the passion of the Sevilla and Betis supporters, it was a wonderful match, thanks in part to the stadium’s sound system, which played back the chants of the home fans. Furthermore, the Sevilla anthem was sung by the fans from their own homes and projected onto a screen at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
What’s more, Italian football is back tonight with one of the season’s big matches. We’ll see Sarri’s players take on Pioli’s: Juventus versus Milan, in a one-off tie to secure a place in the Coppa Italia final, where the winner of the Napoli v Inter clash awaits. Tonight, Cristiano Ronaldo will have to face Donnarumma and his team-mates. We’ll see which players are in the best form after this long break. There will also be some changes to this fixture: it has been decided that the match will not go into extra time and, in the event of a draw, it will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
