Beto Pimparel, former Sevilla goalkeeper, recalled the experience of the 2014 Europa League final; in the Algarve, on vacation, he received threats from red fans and had a bad time: «A film…»
Beto Pimparel, 42, still hasn’t forgotten the Europa League won in 2014, against Benfica. For the best reasons, but also for the worst. The former Sevilla goalkeeper therefore recalls episodes from that meeting in an interview with Seville Diarywho was in the Algarve for the Andalusian club’s house meeting.
Beto won the Europa League three times, this one in 2014 (A BOLA)
«I received a lot of threats from Benfica fans, I had a bad time», says the former Portuguese international, decisive in the penalty shoot-out in the final in Turin, but also accused of leaving the goal line and moving forward to save the ball.
«The final in Turin was a very special game. I played against my eternal rivals, because I played for SC Braga, FC Porto and Sporting. The eternal rivals. This final had that special ingredient for me. It was at this time that I literally took a step forward. Benfica had lost the previous year’s final against Chelsea, now they lost to Sevilla on penalties. And with a Portuguese defending the penalty — and it’s true that he was a little ahead of the line, yes. That summer I had a hard time with my family celebrating the title. On the beach, I received many threats to me and my family. I had a bad time. Even the police had to go to the beach with me that summer… a movie”, says the former player.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Beto Pimparel, Costinha, Daniel Carriço, Dimas, Maxi Pereira, Ricardo Quaresma, Sílvio and Tarantini are the new additions
Beto won three Europa Leagues and remembers the Andalusian club fondly. «For me it is wonderful to be part of the Sevilla family, which has always had a very special strength, it was a team that had the strength to transform a Portuguese person into a Sevillian, not Spanish, but Sevillian», he concluded.
When Football and Drama Collide: Beto Pimparel’s Uneasy Summer
Ah, football – the beautiful game! It’s filled with the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the occasional chilly threat while sunbathing at the Algarve. Yes, folks, you heard it right! Beto Pimparel, the former Sevilla goalkeeper, had a rather dirty little secret about his sun-soaked vacation after the 2014 Europa League final. Turns out, he didn’t just have to dodge incoming beach balls, but also some rather aggressive fans!
In an interview with Seville Diary, Beto reminisced about that infamous clash against our friends from Benfica in what he referred to as a “very special game”. Now, when a goalkeeper says it was “special” it’s often code for “I was the hero, but also received enough death threats to fill a horror movie script.” And boy, did Beto live that plot twist!
Having played against some top teams such as SC Braga, FC Porto, and Sporting, he wasn’t just facing any old rivals; these were eternal rivals. Talk about family feuds, right? The stakes were higher than a pre-match buffet table at a Sunday League game. But let’s not gloss over the drama – he became the penalty hero for Sevilla, tipping the scales in a thrilling shoot-out against Benfica in Turin. A moment so magical, it could be the plot for a Harry Potter sequel – but with less wand waving and more theatrics from rowdy fans!
However, as we all know, every story has its shadow. Cue the ominous music! Beto described how his summer turned not into a sun-kissed trip, but more of a “bad movie”. Imagine relaxing on the beach while receiving threats from outraged Benfica fans. Spoiler alert: this wasn’t the vision of paradise he had in mind. Even the police had to play part-time lifeguard, ensuring no football fans decided to turn his tanning session into a ‘lesson in humility’.
We would think a three-time Europa League winner would retire to sipping cocktails after such an achievement, but not Beto! He’s got an interesting perspective. He refers to this whole debacle as part of “the Sevilla family”, claiming it’s provided him with a “special strength” – a bit like the power-up mushrooms in Mario, except this one comes with family gatherings that may require some serious security details!
In a final hurrah, he reminded everyone about the gravity of football rivalry, especially when tempers flare and pride’s on the line. “A step forward” during the penalty save? Absolutely! But not in the direction of a peaceful summer. This time, stepping forward felt more like stepping into the lion’s den. But hey, that’s football for you, isn’t it? From the adrenaline rush of the pitch to the drama-filled shores of Portugal, where every holiday is punctuated with reminders of that tense shoot-out.
Beto Pimparel’s experiences prove one thing: Behind every glorious football victory lies an equally tumultuous story. So, next time you’re at the beach nursing a drink or two, spare a thought for those brave enough to tread the fine line between emerging as a football legend and trying to avoid mob threats!
So there you have it, sports fans – a tale that’s equal parts glorious and gritty. After all, as they say: If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the penalty box!
Beto Pimparel, the former goalkeeper of Sevilla FC, has vivid memories of the dramatic 2014 Europa League final, a match that not only highlighted his sporting career but also brought unforeseen challenges during a vacation in the Algarve, where he faced threats from passionate Benfica supporters, revealing, “It felt like a film…”
Beto, now 42 years old, reflects on the unforgettable Europa League triumph secured in 2014 against fierce rivals Benfica. While the victory is a cherished moment, the former Sevilla goalkeeper recalls darker incidents associated with that day in an insightful interview with Seville Diary. During this discussion, he recounted his experience of being on holiday amidst the tensions surrounding the match.
«I received a lot of threats from Benfica fans, I had a bad time», reveals the one-time Portuguese international, who played a crucial role during the penalty shoot-out in the final held in Turin. However, his performance was marred by controversy as he was accused of having advanced from his goal line to block the ball during the decisive moments of the game.
«The final in Turin was a very special game. I played against my eternal rivals, as I had previously donned jerseys for SC Braga, FC Porto, and Sporting. This match had a unique significance for me. It was in this moment that I literally stepped up. Benfica was reeling from having lost the prior year’s final against Chelsea, and now they fell to Sevilla in a penalty shootout. Adding to the drama, a Portuguese player was involved in saving the penalties — and yes, it is true that I may have been slightly ahead of the line. That summer was tough; my family had a difficult time celebrating the title. While at the beach, I faced numerous threats directed at my family and me. It was a harrowing experience. In fact, the police had to accompany me to the beach during that period… it was like living in a movie,” he shared, emphasizing the profound impact of that season on his life.
Beto, who has won the Europa League three times, cherishes his connection to Sevilla FC. «For me, it is wonderful to be part of the Sevilla family, which possesses an extraordinary strength. This team has the unique ability to transform a Portuguese individual into a Sevillian, not just a Spanish person, but a true Sevillian,» he concluded with deep appreciation.
### Interview with Beto Pimparel: Reflections on the 2014 Europa League Final
**Interviewer:** Beto, thank you for joining us today. You have some incredible memories from the 2014 Europa League final. Can you take us back to that day? What made it so special for you?
**Beto Pimparel:** Of course! The final in Turin was monumental for me. Playing against Benfica, my eternal rivals, added an intense personal element. Having previously played for clubs like SC Braga and FC Porto, this game was charged with emotions and history. Winning that match—especially in the penalty shootout—was exhilarating, but it also came with a lot of pressure.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the pressure. It sounds like there were also some dangerous moments following your victory. Could you elaborate on that?
**Beto Pimparel:** Absolutely. After the match, I received a number of threats from Benfica fans while I was on vacation in the Algarve. It was quite unsettling. Even though I was celebrating a huge achievement, I found myself quite anxious, feeling like I was living out a scene from a film. I had to have police accompany me on the beach to ensure my safety and that of my family, which was certainly not the ideal vacation scenario.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly intense. Did it affect how you viewed your triumph in the Europa League?
**Beto Pimparel:** In a way, yes. While I cherish the moment we won and the joy of being part of Sevilla’s triumph, the negative experiences reminded me of the darker side of football rivalries. It’s a sport filled with passion, and sometimes that passion overflows in troubling ways. But I also learned a lot about the strength of the Sevilla family and how the club can unite us, even in challenging times.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting how you frame it as part of being a ‘Sevilla family.’ What does that mean to you?
**Beto Pimparel:** For me, being part of Sevilla transcends the game itself. It’s about community and shared experiences. This club has a unique energy that transforms players into Sevillians, making them feel at home. Despite the threats and the challenges, the support from fellow fans and the club made it all worthwhile.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Looking back now, how do you feel about your role in that final?
**Beto Pimparel:** I’m proud. Being able to contribute to Sevilla’s history is something I will carry with me forever. Yes, I might have stepped forward a little on that penalty, but every moment on the pitch was worth it. Football is filled with highs and lows, but ultimately it’s about how you face those challenges and emerge stronger.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Beto. Your insights bring a fascinating perspective on the complexities of football and its rivalries. It’s a reminder that behind the glory, there can be hidden struggles.
**Beto Pimparel:** Exactly! Football is much more than just the game; it’s a life experience. Thank you for having me.