Real Betis is back in the Champions League after twenty years of absence. The Spanish club defeated Elche 2-1 at home in the Spanish league on Tuesday, securing fifth place and the last place in the Champions League.
Betis last played in the Champions League in the 2005-06 season, when they finished third in the group behind Liverpool and Chelsea.
With two rounds to go, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis opened a seven-point lead over sixth-place Celta Vigo, who lost 3-2 at home to Levante earlier Tuesday.
Cucho Hernández put Betis ahead in the ninth minute and Pablo Fornals scored the winner in the 68th after Héctor Fort had equalized for Elche shortly before half-time.
Elche, which played one man less from the 49th after Léo Pétrot was sent off, remained close to the relegation zone.
Levante moved to 16th place with the victory over Vigo.
Published on May 13, 2026
