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Real Betis officially secured qualification for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night after a 2-1 win over Elche in La Liga’s 36th round.
The result guarantees Betis a top-five finish and confirms the club’s return to Europe’s biggest competition for the first time in 21 years.
Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, the Andalusian team sealed qualification with two matches remaining in the season.
Betis had not appeared in the Champions League since the 2005-06 season, making this qualification one of the club’s biggest achievements in recent history.
The decisive win over Elche led to pure joy in the streets of Seville. Fans are finally celebrating, breaking a painful 21-year wait.
Spain’s extra Champions League spot through UEFA coefficient rankings also played a role this season, with fifth place enough to qualify directly for the competition.
Yo no… ¡A ellos! 👏 pic.twitter.com/dD8ppF1WcA
— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) May 12, 2026
Strong Moroccan presence
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has become one of Betis’ most indispensable players throughout this season.
The Moroccan winger produced many decisive performances this year and is one of the team’s main attacking threats under Pellegrini.
Sofyan Amrabat also played an important role in midfield, bringing experience and balance during the final stretch of the campaign.
The qualification was particularly significant for Amrabat, whose future at the club reportedly depended on Betis securing a Champions League place next season. Speaking to the media about Amrabat, the coach said, “We must first assess our final league position and consider the various changes that might occur within the squad for different reasons.”
He added, “Sofyan is a player who has provided us with added value in a position where we lacked an experienced player for this role. The defensive midfielder plays a very crucial role.”
Betis stayed among La Liga’s top sides for most of the season and ultimately confirmed their European return with the 2-1 victory against Elche.
This guarantees that two Atlas Lions will once again be part of the Champions League next season.
