Betis stuck in limbo after Oviedo stalemate as European chase continues
Pellegrini's men fail to hit 30-point target but maintain sixth spot as rivals also stumble, setting up crucial Villarreal showdown next weekend.
Betis have come away with a point that feels like two dropped, yet somehow doesn’t leave them worse off in the table after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere.
Pellegrini’s target missed
The Chilean gaffer has long maintained that hitting 30 points in the first half of the season is essential for any side with European ambitions. His Betis squad have fallen just short of that mark, but it’s not all doom and gloom for the Verdiblancos.
With Espanyol only managing a draw themselves against relegation-threatened Levante, Betis maintain their sixth position in the table (pending Celta’s result at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, where they’d need to win by more than two goals to leapfrog Betis).
European chase breakdown
The current state of play has Betis:
- Five points behind fifth-placed Espanyol
- Nine points adrift of Atlético Madrid in the final Champions League spot
- Still awaiting news on whether La Liga might secure a fifth Champions League place
The additional European spot depends entirely on how Spanish clubs perform in continental competitions through the remainder of the season – similar to last year’s situation.
Crucial fixtures looming
Pellegrini’s men face a pivotal week with:
- A Copa del Rey last-16 tie this Wednesday
- A season-defining league clash against Villarreal on Saturday
The Villarreal match takes on massive significance as Marcelino’s squad, now focused solely on the league after European and cup exits, sit a whopping 12 points ahead of Betis (with a game in hand).
This fixture represents Betis’ last chance to keep any realistic hopes alive of catching the Yellow Submarine, or risk seeing them disappear over the horizon in the race for European qualification.