Manuel Pellegrini has defended his work at Real Betis following the club’s victory over Girona, emphasizing that only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have matched Betis’ streak of six consecutive European qualifications.
The Chilean coach made the remarks after Betis secured a 3-2 win over Girona at Estadi Montilivi on April 21, 2026, a result that halted a seven-match winless run in LaLiga and strengthened their grip on fifth place in the standings.
Speaking about the achievement, Pellegrini stated: “Personally, I have never believed that what I have to say is to silence critics. I do my job and I have a reasoned opinion, which is neither destructive when we lose nor euphoric in good moments. There is a reality: It’s the first time we have reached this instance, although it was…”
The victory over Girona came through goals from Abde, Riquelme and Bakambu, with Betis overcoming an early deficit to claim three crucial points. The result moved Betis clear of Girona in the race for fifth place, which currently holds the final Champions League qualification spot in LaLiga.
Prior to the match, Pellegrini had addressed questions about his future at the club, stating that he expects to continue beyond the current season. “First, we have to finish the season. If we finish fifth, we’ll see which competition we qualify for. For me, it will be another good season, because we’ll have qualified six years in a row,” he said.
The coach acknowledged the disappointment of Betis’ recent elimination from the Europa League, describing it as “a difficult wound to heal,” but maintained that reaching the semi-finals stage demonstrated the team’s potential. “We could have made it because we reached that stage,” Pellegrini added.
Betis’ European qualification streak began in the 2020-21 season when they secured sixth place in LaLiga to earn Europa League qualification. Since then, the club has maintained continental participation through various league finishes, consistently earning either Europa League or Conference League spots.
The achievement places Betis in elite company alongside Spain’s traditional powers. Real Madrid and Barcelona have qualified for European competition every season for over two decades, while Atletico Madrid has likewise maintained a similar streak of continental participation.
For Pellegrini, the consistency represents validation of his coaching approach at the Benito Villamarin. Having taken over in 2020, the Chilean has overseen a period of stability and progress that has seen Betis establish themselves as regular European contenders.
The Girona victory was particularly significant given the context of Betis’ recent form. Prior to the match, the club had gone seven LaLiga games without a win, increasing pressure on both the team and coaching staff heading into the fixture.
Key moments in the match included a controversial Girona goal that was disallowed for offside following VAR review, Betis’ response through Bakambu and Abde, and the eventual winner from Riquelme in the 79th minute. The result ended Betis’ winless drought and provided momentum for their final push for European qualification.
Looking ahead, Betis will aim to build on this result as they approach the conclusion of the LaLiga season. With fifth place currently holding the Champions League spot, each remaining match carries significant implications for the club’s European aspirations.
For Pellegrini, maintaining focus on the immediate task remains paramount. “What concerns me is that we win with Betis, not my personal contract,” he stated when asked about his future, reinforcing his commitment to the club’s collective goals over individual considerations.
The victory over Girona represents another step in Betis’ pursuit of sustained success under Pellegrini’s leadership. As the season enters its final stages, the club’s ability to secure European football for a seventh consecutive year will depend on maintaining the consistency that has defined their recent history.
Next up for Betis is a LaLiga fixture that will continue their push for European qualification. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the momentum from the Girona win can be carried forward as the campaign reaches its conclusion.
What are your thoughts on Pellegrini’s assessment of Betis’ European consistency? Share your views in the comments below and join the conversation about the club’s future direction.
