Manuel Pellegrini, head coach of Real Betis, shared his thoughts after his side’s 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad at Anoeta. Speaking to DAZN and in the post-match press conference, the Chilean analyzed the game and the costly late penalty.
**Game analysis**: “The match was never under control; it was very open. We scored a goal in the first half and had two or three clear chances, but they also created opportunities. A very open game. After going 2-0 up, we started losing possession. They had two goals ruled out for offside by millimeters—they’re a team that plays well at home, and the penalty allowed them to equalize. In the second half, we started well with the 0-2 lead, but after 15 or 20 minutes we lost control. That unfortunate penalty led to them drawing level. I don’t think the 0-2 scoreline reflected what was happening on the pitch. We faced a good team at their ground, and it was difficult to maintain ball control.”
**Lost advantage in the second half**: “With the 2-0 lead, we dropped too deep, lost control, and they pressed well, constantly getting into our box. There’s a bitter taste from being 2-0 up only to draw 2-2 via a penalty in the 93rd minute. But on the other hand, it’s still a point at this stage, always positive in our push for qualification.”
**Substitution strategy**: “We tried to hold onto the result because they were threatening. We couldn’t keep the ball, kept attacking, but sort of retreated into the scoreline. That penalty then allowed them to equalize.”
**On Antony**: “In the first ten minutes, we had two very clear chances while pressing in their half—we recovered the ball and Antony had two clear opportunities. He didn’t convert them, but later he scored a great goal. It was a much more even game than the scoreline suggested; both sides had chances. But losing those two points leaves a bitter taste. Hopefully, this point will help us secure qualification in the final stretch of the season.”
**Champions League race**: “I see it as an important battle. It’s a 4-point gap from 9 remaining points, which is still significant. We have a chance at home to achieve it, and on Tuesday we need to go out and get another three points. Then we’ll see who finishes fifth.”
**Ruibal’s penalty**: “I haven’t seen it. I can’t give an opinion. If the ball hits his hand, it’s up to the referee to decide if it’s a penalty. I didn’t see it.”
**Natan’s injury**: “Natan came in with a minor knock. He felt it during warm-up before the match. On top of that, Ricardo got injured, so we brought on Bellerín. We also have Diego Llorente out injured, which leaves us quite short of defenders for the next match. We’ll see if Natan can recover in time.”
**Isco’s condition**: “It’s very important for Isco to keep getting minutes. Today he was the ideal player to have more possession, but we couldn’t do that. He’s a crucial player, and with every match he plays, he’ll improve. We’ll see how that injury evolves. He’s a key figure.”
**Second-half management**: “We tried to manage it the best way possible. We were 0-2 up in the second half, but after 15 minutes we started losing control. We wanted to keep the ball, and when you don’t achieve that, you second-guess the changes you made. But at the time, they seemed the right decisions.”
