Betis returns to Champions League after 21 years under Pellegrini

Real Betis qualified for the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday after defeating Elche 2-1 at the Estadio de La Cartuja, securing fifth place in La Liga with two matches remaining in the season.

The victory, combined with Celta de Vigo's loss to Levante earlier in the evening, mathematically confirmed Betis's return to Europe's premier club competition. The club had not participated in the Champions League since the 2005-06 season, a gap of 21 years.

Colombian forward Cucho Hernández opened the scoring in the ninth minute with what sources described as a brilliant individual effort. Betis dominated much of the first half but saw its advantage erased before halftime when Elche equalized through a shot from Héctor Fort.

The decisive goal came from Pablo Fornals in the second half. Fornals received a deflected ball from a corner kick at the edge of the penalty area, adjusted it to his right foot, and struck a precise shot into the top corner of the net past goalkeeper Dituro.

Elche's task became more difficult when defender Petrot was sent off five minutes into the second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Elche mounted resistance throughout the match.

Betis finished with 57 points and secured a seven-point advantage over sixth-place Celta de Vigo with two rounds of fixtures remaining. The qualification marks the second Champions League appearance in the club's history.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has been in charge since mid-2020, has now guided Betis to European competition qualification in every season under his tenure.

The result came after Betis had drawn 2-2 with Real Sociedad the previous weekend, a result that had extended uncertainty over the Champions League qualification race. The club's supporters celebrated at La Cartuja as the final whistle confirmed the qualification, with the Champions League anthem sounding in the stadium for the first time in two decades for the Seville-based club.