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Betis Secures Champions League Spot with Thrilling Win Over Elche

Real Betis secured a place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 win over Elche, marking their first appearance in the competition in 21 years. Pablo Fornals was the standout performer, setting up Cucho Hernandez and scoring the winner with a superb curling shot. Levante climbed out of the relegation zone with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Celta Vigo, ending Celta's European hopes. Atletico Madrid won 2-1 away to Osasuna despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Key Points: Betis Beat Elche to Clinch Champions League Berth

  • Betis clinch top-five finish with win over Elche
  • Pablo Fornals stars with goal and assist
  • Levante escape relegation zone with Celta Vigo win
  • Atletico Madrid beat Osasuna 2-1 despite red card
2 min read

Betis book Champions League spot with win over Elche

Real Betis beat Elche 2-1 to seal first Champions League spot in 21 years. Levante climb out of bottom three with comeback win over Celta Vigo.

"Real Betis secured fifth place in La Liga and a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 home win over Elche - News report"

Madrid, May 13

Real Betis secured fifth place in La Liga and a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 home win over Elche, while Celta Vigo's hopes ended with a 3-2 defeat at home to a resurgent Levante.

Pablo Fornals was the standout performer for Betis, setting up Cucho Hernandez for the opening goal in the ninth minute before scoring the winner with a superb curling shot from outside the penalty area in the 68th.

Elche equalised through Hector Fort in the 41st minute, but their hopes of mounting another fightback suffered a major blow when Leo Petrot was sent off with a straight red card for a late challenge on Antony.

The result confirmed Betis' first Champions League appearance in 21 years.

Levante climbed out of the bottom three after coming from behind twice to beat Celta Vigo, a result that ended Celta's hopes of catching Betis.

Ferran Jutgla scored for Celta in the fourth and 48th minutes, but Kervin Arriaga and Adrian de la Fuente leveled twice before Roger Brugue scored the goal that could prove vital in Levante's relegation battle.

Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth scored as Atletico Madrid won 2-1 away to Osasuna.

Osasuna lost winger Raul Moro to injury in the 37th minute, while Atletico Madrid was reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when Marcos Llorente was shown a second yellow card.

Kike Barja scored for Osasuna in the 91st minute, but there was no time for the home side to find an equaliser.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Great for Betis, but sad for Celta Vigo. They fought hard but that last-minute Levante goal was a dagger. Levante's comeback from relegation zone is inspiring though, reminds me of how our ISL teams sometimes turn things around. Football really is unpredictable! ⚽
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Vikram M
As a Betis fan since the days of Joaquin, this feels unreal. 21 years is a lifetime! The Indian fanbase for Betis might be small, but we celebrate with passion. Fornals and Cucho were brilliant, and that red card for Petrot changed the game. Can't wait to see them against Europe's best! 🇪🇸
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Sarah B
Happy for Betis, but honestly, La Liga's competitive balance is concerning. Same teams keep dominating. Atletico winning despite being down to 10 men shows their grit though. As someone who follows from Canada, I hope Betis can challenge in CL but worried they might struggle. Good story anyway!
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Ananya R
Celta Vigo's defeat hits hard, especially with Jutgla scoring twice. But Levante's survival fight is heroic! Brugue's winner was clutch. Reminds me of how our Indian football teams sometimes snatch victory from jaw of defeat. Good mix of drama in La Liga today. 💙
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Rohit P
Betis deserves this! They played attractive football all season. Fornals is a gem, that curling shot was inch-perfect. But red card decisions sometimes feel harsh; Petrot's challenge wasn't that bad.

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