Healthy envy, by Carlos Zaballa

Possibly sport is one of the life activities that produces the most joy. It’s nice to see a footballer, a tennis player or a pelotari enjoy success. Their celebrations have the flavor of the authentic. This is what I was thinking when Betis celebrated the Cup title won over Valencia at La Cartuja. I was especially happy for Joaquin, a footballer who likes Bilbao and receives applause from the San Mamés stands. Also for Canales, a great player who has had a hard time with three serious knee injuries. You always side with people who have had to fight hard to achieve their goals.

I admit that I felt healthy envy to see how they enjoyed themselves on the grass of La Cartuja with their partners and children and also how the green and white fans did it in the stadium. In these cases, the barge on the Bilbao estuary always comes to mind. Those of us who were able to experience it live will not forget it nor will we ever forget it. That is why it is quite frustrating that Athletic has not been able to lift a Cup since then and a whopping 38 years have already passed. It has cost Betis 17 times to repeat the title. The difference is substantial.

The lions have had the opportunity in the finals played since 2009, but they have not succeeded. The League has become impossible the way football is today, but the Cup is feasible. It has been seen in recent years. We have to go back to enjoying moments like those experienced with the barge, like those enjoyed by all the Betis fans.