Real Betis booked their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League after defeating Elche at La Cartuja.

The side managed by Manuel Pellegrini started the match with intensity and purpose, determined to take control from the opening whistle. Their early pressure paid off when former Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin delivered a precise assist for Cucho Hernandez, who calmly converted to send the home supporters into celebration.

Elche responded before the break and briefly reignited the contest after a deflected strike from Forta found its way into the net. However, the turning point arrived shortly after half-time when Petrot was shown a red card, leaving the visitors with ten men and dramatically shifting momentum back in favour of Real Betis.

With the game opening up, Betis delivered the decisive blow through Pablo Fornals. The Spanish midfielder produced a sensational long-range effort that flew into the top corner, a goal worthy of securing a place on Europe’s biggest stage.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side comfortably saw out the remainder of the match as celebrations erupted around La Cartuja. The victory confirms Real Betis will return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 21 years, marking a historic milestone for the Seville-based club.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Real Betis - Elche 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Cucho, 9 (1:0); Fort H., 41 (1:1); Fornals, 68 (2:1)

Real Betis: Valles; Bellerin; Diego Llorente; Gomez Val.; Júnior Firpo (Natan, 66); Fornals; Ezzalzouli; Amrabat S.; Lo Celso (Isco, 63); Antony M.; Cucho
Substitution: Isco (from 63); Natan (from 66)
Bench: Adrian; Pau Lopez; Altimira; Fidalgo; Riquelme R.; Deossa; Roca; Chimy Ávila; Bakambu

Elche: Dituro; Pétrot L. (till 49); Affengruber; Fort H. (Tete Morente, 64); Traore A-r; Villar G.; Aguado M.; Valera G.; Febas; Diangana (Chust, 57); André Silva (Rodriguez Alvaro, 64)
Substitution: Chust (from 57); Tete Morente (from 64); Rodriguez Alvaro (from 64)
Bench: Peña I.; Pedrosa; Donald J.; Redondo; Bigas; Neto Mar.; Josan F.; Cepeda
Red cards: Pétrot L. 49'