Real Betis Secure Historic Champions League Qualification for 2026/27 Season

Real Betis have officially qualified for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League after a 2–1 victory over Elche CF in La Liga matchweek 36.

The win, played at the Estadio de La Cartuja, lifted Betis to 57 points, securing fifth place in the table and confirming their qualification after opening a seven-point gap over Celta Vigo with just one round remaining.

Elche remain on 39 points in 14th place, narrowly above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Betis took the lead early through “Cucho” Hernández in the ninth minute, before Elche equalised via Héctor Fort in the 41st minute. 

The turning point came shortly after halftime when Elche were reduced to ten men following a red card for Leo Petrot in the 49th minute. Pablo Fornals later scored the decisive winner in the 68th minute.

This marks only the second time in the club’s history that Real Betis will compete in the Champions League, and their first appearance since the 2005/06 season.

The result also finalised Spain’s five Champions League spots for next season, alongside FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal CF, and Atlético Madrid.