Chimy Ávila's Cartuja Redemption: From Outcast to Hero
After a match-winning Copa del Rey double, the Argentine striker is winning over Betis fans with his passionate performances in Cucho's absence.
After years of struggling to make his mark at Betis, Chimy Ávila is finally showing the Verdiblancos faithful what he’s truly capable of – and the timing couldn’t be better for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Copa catalyst
It all kicked off midweek when the Argentine bagged a crucial brace against Elche in the Copa del Rey, propelling Betis into the quarter-finals. That performance earned him a starting berth against Villarreal, leapfrogging Bakambu in the pecking order while Cucho Hernández remains sidelined.
Against Marcelino’s high-flying Yellow Submarine – a team enjoying a proper Bobby Dazzler of a season – Chimy delivered another performance full of heart and hustle. While he couldn’t replicate his midweek goalscoring heroics, his all-action display had the Cartuja crowd on their feet.
Numbers game
The stats tell a story of a player transformed:
- Three successful duels won against Villarreal’s centre-backs
- Three ball recoveries highlighting his defensive contribution
- Two interceptions showing his reading of the game
- Three fouls won, constantly making himself a nuisance
- A rasping long-range effort that narrowly missed the target
Position perfect
Playing in his preferred central striking role rather than being shunted out wide, Ávila looks a different player. His relentless pressing from the front, his movement creating space for teammates, and that trademark unpredictability that defenders hate dealing with – it’s all coming together.
The standing ovation he received when substituted spoke volumes. This was a crowd acknowledging a player reborn, one who’s finally showing the qualities that made Betis sign him from Osasuna two years ago.
Transfer turnaround
Just weeks ago, a move to Getafe seemed all but certain. Now, that exit door appears firmly shut. While the club’s final decision on his future won’t be known for a couple more weeks, Ávila himself seems focused only on success in green and white.
After Wednesday’s cup triumph, he declared his determination to win silverware with Betis. With Cucho still out, these coming fixtures represent a golden opportunity for the Rosario-born battler to cement his place in Pellegrini’s plans.