Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has secured a Champions League spot for the club after a 2-1 victory over Elche at the Estadio de la Cartuja, combined with Celta Vigo’s loss to Levante. The Chilean coach expressed immense joy, marking one of the few remaining goals he had yet to achieve since taking the helm at Betis.
“We are very happy and very satisfied,” Pellegrini said. “The team faced many challenges throughout the season, but we always found a way to overcome them. From tough defeats to injuries, we kept fighting. Securing a Champions League place in front of our fans is a moment of pure happiness for everyone associated with Betis.”
Analyzing the match, Pellegrini acknowledged a passive first half but praised his team’s resilience after the break. “We knew the result of the Levante game. Honestly, the first half was too passive. We scored one goal, which was nearly our only real threat, and they didn’t have clear chances either. Their equalizer had some luck, but I believe we came out with a completely different attitude in the second half, proactively seeking the win. Fortunately, we scored the second goal and managed to hold on to the lead.”
Regarding the halftime message, Pellegrini explained, “We knew Celta had already lost, and we were still drawing. We had to win; we couldn’t leave it for another two weeks. The players felt the same pressure, and it wasn’t easy to handle the emotional state, but the second half showed great attitude and personality.”
Reflecting on the team’s sixth European qualification, he added, “This is a huge joy. From a collective standpoint, I am happy for the players because they have had an incredible season. We faced many difficulties: injuries, a heavy schedule, and some painful defeats, but the team always got back up. So I am delighted, first for the players, then for the fans who supported us through thick and thin, and also for the club management and the entire coaching staff. We have done a lot of work, and securing Champions League qualification with two games to spare is a tremendous achievement for this squad. The team has maintained the high standards we set from the beginning. As I said in the pre-match interview, the first game against Elche was our first step toward the Champions League. Now, in round 36, we have achieved it. I am incredibly happy for all Betis supporters.”