Isco excited for duel with ex-Real Madrid team-mate during Gran Derbi – 'There is a special affection'

After avoiding a 10th booking of the season during Real Betis' win over Valencia at Mestalla last weekend, Isco Alarcon will be available for Sunday's El Gran Derbi clash against former club Sevilla at the Benito Villamarin .

It will be Isco's first derby as a Betis player at home, having joined Los Verdiblancos as a free agent last summer. There are sure to be many eyes on him, especially from those of the colors of Seville, since he will be perceived as the danger.

One of those tasked with stopping Isco will be Sergio Ramos, his former teammate from his Real Madrid days. The 32-year-old admitted he is excited for the match-up, as he told Betis' official media channels (via Relief).

“There have been many years of playing and winning together, there is a special affection between us. When we are on the field, I am sure he will give me a stick or another.

Isco has been absent since the Real Betis the first two training sessions of the week, as nurse a little discomfort. However, he revealed that there is no danger of missing El Gran Derbi this weekend.

“Working to get to 100%.”