Pellegrini stresses importance of victory after three-week break

“After a three-week break, it was very important to come back with a win,” Manuel Pellegrini said. The Betis coach was pleased with his team’s victory over Osasuna and stressed the value of regaining momentum after the pause. He also described the performance as “very complete”.

The game appeared under control before becoming more tense. “Football is never under control,” Pellegrini said, arguing that a drop in tempo can give the opposition a chance to draw level. He felt his side had produced a strong performance, particularly in the first half, and said isolated incidents had brought Osasuna back into the contest. Betis then created chances again and scored five goals, he said.

The fourth goal also prompted protests from Osasuna, who called for Natan to be sent off after contact immediately before Isco’s goal, with the score at 4-2. Pellegrini, who watched the incident from the bench and later saw it again on television, did not believe the referee had made a mistake. In his view, both players used their hands and Natan’s action did not warrant the way he went to ground.

The coach also praised Isco’s return to form. He said he was pleased to see him playing well again after two injuries and fractures, and commended his quality and maturity. Pellegrini also highlighted the collective effort to help Isco get back to his best.

Pellegrini was pleased with Morante’s goal and described him as another option for a busy schedule. He said the club had been monitoring the player since last season; Morante had already played in the Copa del Rey and trains with the first team, while also turning out for the reserve side. Pellegrini believes he still has plenty to improve and can learn from Isco, Lo Celso and Fornals.

Looking ahead, the coach declined to focus beyond the next fixture: the aim, he said, is to win on Wednesday in the Champions League. Betis are competing in three competitions, and Pellegrini stressed the need for consistency across them. The next Champions League match is against Porto on Wednesday.