Football produces unbelievable moments, but what happened in the Europa League match between Real Betis and FC Utrecht may go down as one of the strangest injury incidents the sport has ever seen. Just two minutes after kick-off, before either side had even broken a sweat, Real Betis lost both Sofyan Amrabat and Isco in a freak collision that left the entire Benito Villamarín in shock.
The scene unfolded when Utrecht cleared a loose ball out of their box. Amrabat charged forward at full speed to strike it, but at that same moment, Isco stepped in front of him to control the pass. In the split second that followed, Amrabat’s boot crashed heavily into Isco’s leg while his own momentum sent him off balance. Both players went straight to the ground in obvious pain, and the atmosphere in the stadium instantly changed from routine opening minutes to total disbelief.
Isco tried to continue but was forced off in the ninth minute after medics confirmed he had suffered a deep gash that required seven stitches. Amrabat attempted to run it off, but he too lasted only a short while longer before signalling to the bench. The sight of two teammates leaving the pitch with injuries caused by the same incident is extremely rare in football, especially so early in a match, and the reaction from the stands reflected how unusual and shocking it was.
Medical reports later confirmed that both players would miss the upcoming Seville derby, a major setback for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. Isco’s injury, while not involving bone damage, was serious enough to rule him out immediately. Amrabat also underwent further tests to determine the extent of his knock and was quickly withdrawn from the squad as a precaution. It was a harsh blow for Betis, especially considering how crucial both midfielders have been this season.
Despite the chaotic start, Real Betis somehow managed to steady themselves and secure a 2–1 victory on the night. Yet the win came with undeniable “collateral damage”, as several Spanish outlets described it. Losing two starting players inside the opening minutes is the kind of misfortune managers dread, and it forced Betis into an early reshuffle that could have easily derailed their performance.
This bizarre moment has already been replayed and discussed across Spain and Europe, not just because of the injuries, but because almost no one could recall a similar incident at this level. A single challenge leaving two teammates injured before the match even settles is something that may not be seen again for many years.
For Betis, attention now turns to recovery, regrouping, and preparing for the derby without two key figures. For fans, the moment serves as a reminder of how unpredictable football can be. And for Amrabat and Isco, it will be remembered as an unfortunate, almost unbelievable twist in a night that started with confusion, pain, and one of the rarest injury scenes modern football has witnessed.
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