Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was all smiles on Thursday night as his team secured a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, booking their place in the UEFA Conference League final for the first time in the club’s history. The decisive moment came in extra time, with Abde Ezzalzouli’s goal sealing a 2-2 draw in Florence, ensuring Betis’ advancement to face Chelsea in the final. Yet, even in the glow of this historic achievement, the 71-year-old Chilean tactician was quick to emphasize that his primary focus remains on securing a coveted Champions League spot in LaLiga.
The match against Fiorentina was a testament to Betis’ resilience. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Seville, Pellegrini’s side faced a formidable challenge at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. Fiorentina, in their third consecutive Conference League semi-final, were no strangers to high-stakes European ties. However, Betis rose to the occasion, with Ezzalzouli’s extra-time strike proving the difference. Pellegrini praised his team’s spirit, noting their ability to create chances against a defensively solid Fiorentina while limiting the hosts’ attacking threats. “We created quite a lot of chances against a team who defend well and we gave away very few opportunities to a team who attack a lot,” he said after the match.
The victory marks uncharted territory for Real Betis, a club that had never reached a European semi-final before this season. Now, they stand one match away from potentially lifting their first European trophy. Pellegrini, who has managed 241 matches for Betis and is closing in on the club’s record for most games in charge, called the achievement a privilege. “It’s a privilege to be part of this club’s history,” he reflected, acknowledging the significance of reaching the final for the fans and the city of Seville.
However, Pellegrini was quick to shift focus to LaLiga, where Betis are locked in a tight race for a top-five finish, which would secure Champions League qualification. Currently sixth with 57 points, Betis trail fifth-placed Villarreal by just one point with four crucial league matches remaining. “From tomorrow, we leave the Conference League out because we have four very important league games left to aim for the Champions League until the end of the season,” Pellegrini declared. His pragmatic approach underscores the club’s ambition to return to Europe’s premier competition, a feat they last achieved in the 2005-06 season.
The balancing act between European and domestic commitments has been a hallmark of Pellegrini’s tenure at Betis. His team has shown remarkable consistency, winning nine of their last ten LaLiga matches, including a stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in March. Standout performances from players like Manchester United loanee Antony, who has contributed four goals and four assists since joining in January, and former Real Madrid playmaker Isco, who scored a decisive penalty against Madrid, have fueled Betis’ charge. Pellegrini has also expressed interest in retaining Antony for the 2025-26 season, provided Betis secure Champions League football, which he believes could transform the club’s financial and competitive prospects.
As Betis prepare to face Chelsea in the Conference League final, Pellegrini’s connection with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca adds an intriguing subplot. Maresca, who played under Pellegrini at Malaga and later served as his assistant at West Ham, described the veteran coach as his “professional dad.” The Italian admitted to watching Betis’ extra-time triumph over Fiorentina, expressing excitement about the final matchup. For Pellegrini, however, the final is a secondary concern for now, with LaLiga’s Champions League race taking precedence.
Pellegrini’s record-breaking reign at Betis continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. With 114 victories across all competitions, he is just two wins shy of surpassing Lorenzo Serra Ferrer’s club record. His ability to blend attacking flair with tactical discipline has transformed Betis into a formidable force, capable of challenging Spain’s elite while making history in Europe.