Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini says his side’s UEFA Conference League final defeat to Chelsea was a step forward for them and not a step backwards, Afrosport reports.
The Spanish outfit were appearing in their first-ever European final and were in the lead for 65 minutes until Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback to win 4-1 in Wroclaw.
Pellegrini has taken solace in the fact that his team will still compete in the Europa League next season after finishing sixth in La Liga.
“Well, we played a really good first half and in the second half they were better. And they managed to make the goals that would make them win the final,” the Chilean tactician said.
“I think we’ve played a season in which we were qualified for Europe and we played a European final. It’s a step forwards, not a step backwards. I’m sure the fans are going to agree with us.”
He added: “We suffered more because of the changes they made. That [first] goal inflicted us a lot of damage.
“But then we wanted to win the game. And the end result isn’t fair in my opinion. We must learn from this. Maybe a sad few days and then get back on our feet. So we can start great the next season.”
It was an emotional ride by your side. So much joy and so many emotions.
It was a dream that we never wanted to have an ending.
We will come back. For sure. #Manquepierda pic.twitter.com/XsSZyu5E27
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) May 28, 2025
Real Betis’ participation in next season’s Europa League will make it the fifth consecutive season they will play in an European competition.
