Real Betis clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over Elche, securing their return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades. With just two matchdays remaining in the LaLiga season, the win lifts Betis to fifth place, guaranteeing a spot in Europe’s premier club competition.
The match in Seville saw an early breakthrough for the hosts, as Cucho Hernández scored in the 9th minute. Elche leveled through Héctor Fort in the 41st minute, but a potential go-ahead goal for the visitors just before halftime was disallowed due to a handball by André Silva during the build-up.
The second half shifted decisively in Betis’s favor when Elche’s Petrov received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Antony in the 50th minute. Playing with a man advantage, Betis capitalized through Pablo Fornals, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 68th minute to seal the win.
The defeat leaves Elche, featuring Portuguese players André Silva and Martim Neto, in a precarious position in the relegation battle. Despite late pressure, including a saved effort from Cucho Hernández by Elche goalkeeper Dituro, Betis held firm to secure the three points.
With 57 points, Betis now hold a seven-point cushion over sixth-placed Celta Vigo, who lost 3-2 to Levante on Tuesday. That result pulled Levante level on points with Elche, creating a tight relegation scrap. Five teams are currently tied on 39 points, although Mallorca, Espanyol, and Girona have yet to play in Matchweek 36.
