Five years in Europe and two finals in three years: this is how Pellegrini took Betis to another level.

Manuel Pellegrini's Betis are enjoying an incredible run of form. They still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League (they're one point behind Villarreal and four behind Athletic Bilbao) and will play in the Conference League final against Chelsea after eliminating Fiorentina . The Chilean, with two finals in three years and five consecutive European competitions, has become the best coach in the club's history.

In April, Pellegrini became the manager with the most wins in history (117). He achieved this in 247 matches, consolidating his project and exciting the entire fan base . His arrival came in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, and his contract expires in 2026. It remains to be seen, however, whether Betis can convince him to stay.

The team has consolidated its position since his arrival. European appearances were sporadic, as was the case in the 2013-14 season, when Betis was relegated, or in 2018-19, the year Quique Setién's tenure as manager ended . The Chilean's project has given the club the stability that Ángel Haro and José Miguel López Catalán, president and vice president, had so desired.

The Verdiblancos have reached their first European final thanks to a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, which made the most of their 2-1 victory at the Benito Villamarín. They suffered agonizingly and had to play an agonizing extra time, which earned them a place in Poland , where they will play the final on May 28 against Chelsea.

A great second round

These achievements have come despite a difficult start to the season. Betis was close to the European places at Christmas, but far from its best. In January, signings like Antony and Cucho Hernández arrived, along with the recovery of Isco and the emergence of Jesús Rodríguez . The puzzle began to come together.

Betis has emerged as one of the best teams in Europe in this second half of the season. They've won nine of their last 11 La Liga matches in the last three months . Only a draw against Barcelona and a defeat against Villarreal kept them from achieving the full mark.

Pellegrini's caution

Europe has also witnessed the team's resurrection . After a dismal first phase, Betis saw off Gent, Vitoria de Guimaraes, Jagiellonia Bialystok, and Fiorentina before reaching the final. The team is dreaming big and now hopes to bring back the Conference title .

The victory has sparked more excitement than ever. But Pellegrini has preferred to remain cautious and demanding. "We have to go for the Champions League spot and the title now." Previously, the club was fighting for survival, but the level has risen under the Chilean. A Betis that is unrecognizable and at the height of its fans.