Real Betis vs Elche CF
Estadio de La Cartuja
I. Diaz
2025/2026
Match Report
Real Betis sealed a historic 2-1 home win over Elche on Tuesday, booking their return to the Champions League for the first time in 21 years. The moment that settled it? A thunderous long-range strike from Pablo Fornals that arrowed into the top corner and extinguished any hopes of an Elche comeback.
Cucho Hernández had put Betis ahead with a composed finish from outside the box in the 9th minute, only for Héctor Fort to level for Elche at 41 minutes. The second half shifted dramatically when Léo Pétrot was sent off in the 49th minute for a reckless challenge on Antony, and Fornals punished the ten men on 68 minutes. Elche also had a goal ruled out for handball before the break, adding to a frustrating night.
The result, combined with other fixtures going Betis's way, mathematically confirmed Manuel Pellegrini's side in the top five and back among Europe's elite with two games to spare. Elche, sitting 14th with 39 points, face a nervy run-in to preserve their top-flight status.
Match Events
9'
41'
49'
L. Petrot(Serious foul)
57'
58'
E. Sarabia(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
63'
64'
64'
68'
76'
78'
G. Villar(Foul)
80'
D. Llorente(misses next match)
81'
83'
83'
85'
Natan(Foul)
90+3'
Cucho Hernandez(misses next match)
90+9'
9'
41'
49'
L. Petrot(Serious foul)
57'
58'
E. Sarabia(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
63'
64'
64'
68'
76'
78'
G. Villar(Foul)
(misses next match)D. Llorente
80'
81'
(Foul)Natan
85'
(misses next match)Cucho Hernandez
90+3'
90+9'
Standings
| # | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Real Betis | 15 | 15 | 8 | +11 | 60 |
| 15 | Elche CF | 10 | 13 | 15 | -8 | 43 |
Statistics
45%Possession55%
16Shots8
7Shots on Target2
7Corners1
16Fouls13
3Offsides2
3Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards1
438Passes542
1Saves3
Injuries & Suspensions
Head to Head
8
Real Betis wins
5
Draws
6
Elche CF wins
Goals: 28 - 24
