By looking at the futbology app, I was one of many German and English supporters using the Conference game to tick this stadium, one possibly more popular after featuring in the recent '100 best grounds in Europe' book. Also the attraction may be that it it possible that the stadium may soon be rebuilt on the same site.
Ground is not that basic, good seats, good view, easy to enter and leave but maybe the lack of any cover on 3 sides is the issue but as the crowd today was only just over half full, Betis need to balance building a team and a new ground.
Betis fans were as passionate as I expected, with the singing of the club anthem at kick off, making the trip worthwhile, the supporters also kept behind the team all the game, but afterwards a few boos as Betis had put in such a poor performance.
Not much on this game as Betis were heading for the play offs what ever the results and Helsinki just playing for pride. Betis went ahead after 27 minutes and had most of the play but final ball was poor and Helsinki did look dangerous on the break.
Second half, Betis still had most of the possession but still did not really challenge the Finnish keeper, plenty of subs for both sides, with the Betis subs having a negative effect on the home teams efforts to increase the lead whilst the Helsinki, (young) subs putting more energy into the visitors game, and in the end Betis just held on to the win as Helsinki had a late goal disallowed for offside and had another chance in the last few minutes.
Almost all the crowd had stayed to the end, but still easy to leave the ground and plenty of buses ready to transport us all back to the city centre, where pubs were still busy as it approached midnight.
Would suggest that if you want a not to forget experience, a daytime game against one of the 'big' teams may be a better choice, but to guarantee a ticket, these UEFA Conference games provide that great opportunity.
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