Pellegrini Prepares for Crucial Champions League Qualifier Against Key Rival

This Saturday, January 16, 2026, at 5 PM (CHI, ARG, and URU), Real Betis will compete against Villarreal in LaLiga. This match is critical for both teams, with Villarreal currently holding a twelve-point advantage over Betis. However, Betis sees Villarreal as a direct competitor for a UEFA Champions League spot.

Pellegrini Discusses Upcoming Match

Manuel Pellegrini, the coach of Real Betis, emphasized the importance of the upcoming game in a recent press conference. He noted that Villarreal is performing exceptionally well in LaLiga and is also active in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

“Villarreal is a team that has historically competed with us for European positions. We must deliver an excellent performance to earn points,” Pellegrini stated.

Current League Status and Optimism

Despite the current league standings, Pellegrini remains optimistic about the team’s chances. “There are still 57 points to play for. Sometimes teams perform well in the first half of the season and struggle later, and vice versa,” he remarked. He believes it’s essential to stay focused on their performance.

• Pellegrini considers all teams near Betis’ position to be direct rivals.
• He acknowledges Villarreal’s impressive form but insists Betis must aim for a strong finish in LaLiga.

Transfer Market Insights

Pellegrini addressed the slow pace of the transfer market, stating, “Speculations regarding players coming and going are just that—speculations.” He emphasized that his focus remains on the current squad as they prepare for their match against Villarreal and their upcoming European commitments.

The coach also pointed out that any potential player changes depend on the club’s management. “If new players come in, they should be reinforcements, not simply replacements,” he stated. Pellegrini remains committed to focusing on Betis’ existing talent as they push for a successful conclusion to the season.

Aligned Objectives

In closing, Pellegrini expressed a strong sense of alignment between his team’s goals and the club’s leadership. “Over the past six years, our process has been about progressing each year. It’s about instilling ambition,” he said. He highlighted the significance of achieving sustained participation in European competitions, which has become a standard expectation for the club.