There is nothing better in football than a derby match. The North London Derby, The Superclasico, Le Classique, El Clasico. The passion of the fans seeps through the television with no love lost over 90 minutes.

One on the continent, though, perhaps trumps them all – El Gran Derbi. One of the unheralded LALIGA matchups sees Sevilla host fierce rivals Real Betis at the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday afternoon. To fans of both sides, it is the derby in Spain. Just two miles separates the two teams in Seville, which adds to the intensity of El Gran Derbi.

As one team in red and white seeks to secure victory in Spain this weekend, another will be watching with intent thousands of miles away. 1500 miles, to be precise. LiveScore, official scores partner of Sunderland AFC are in action on Saturday as the face Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have made a superb start to life back in the Premier League and sit seventh after the opening 12 matches. Regis Le Bris has overseen some impressive results in his debut Premier League campaign, including a 2-1 win at Chelsea and a 2-2 draw with league leaders Arsenal.

They’ll now look to close the gap on the top four with the welcome of the Cherries, who sit one place below Sunderland in the table. And fans can then tune in on Sunday when Sevilla host Real Betis, live in the UK on Premier Sports 1 from 3:10pm.

LiveScore Group and Sunderland agreed to a new partnership ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, which means LiveScore is the official training wear partner. Crucially, though, is that fan experience is at the heart of the partnership. After all, what is football without fans?

Sunderland supporters will attest that the Tyne-Wear Derby is the best in European football. The Black Cats fight tooth and nail to ground the Magpies, with the famous red and white stripes proving an inspiration, not just on the pitch, but off it too.

So why the link between Sevilla and Sunderland? Sevilla were founded in January 1890 as a group of young British men celebrated Burns Night. From there, the football club was born. A little over 10 years earlier, LiveScore Scores partners Sunderland were formed. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was determined that Sevilla would play in red and white as the representation of the city of Seville.

Additionally, Sevilla decided to use red and white vertical stripes for the official kit, which was inspired by Sunderland. It wasn’t a choice made by chance. Rather it was due to the close relationship between the two cities through the MacAndrews shipping company.

Having returned to the UK in 1895, Hugo MacColl and Gilbert Reid Pollock, two founders of Seville, set up a shipbuilding company on the banks of the River Wear. No prizes for guessing the football ground that was in closest proximity to the company.

And as Sevilla geared up for their first official match, John Wood, the captain of Sevilla FC and of the steamer SS Cordova, was tasked with bringing Sunderland shirts to Seville. A delay meant that Sevilla instead played in an all-white kit, which they continue to do so up until this day.

However, the famous red and white stripes adorn the club badge, meaning each time Sevilla step out onto the pitch, there is a little bit of Sunderland with them.

So, on Sunday when Sevilla take on rivals Real Betis at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, don’t be surprised if there is a small pocket of Sunderland fans celebrating their success. 

Follow all of Sunderland’s matches on LiveScore, to keep tabs on every football match.