As Real Betis’ Copa del Rey defense came to an end against Osasuna on Wednesday in the round of 16, Real Betis’ head coach Manuel Pellegrini bemoaned yet another penalty shootout loss.
Following regulation, Betis and Osasuna drew 1-1, with David Garcia’s goal for the visitors in the 90th minute tying the score after William Carvalho’s 62nd-minute opener.
Youssouf Sabaly gave the home team a second chance to win in overtime, but Ruben Garcia’s goal tied the score at 2-2. The game then went to penalties, where Sergio Canales and Guido Rodriguez both missed their opportunities to give the visitors a 4-2 victory.
A week prior to that defeat, Betis lost to Barcelona 4-2 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw in the Supercopa semifinal in Riyadh. The Los Verdiblancos’ Copa del Rey defense is likewise over.
Pellegrini told reporters, “It has been a very trying week because of the cup elimination on penalties against Barcelona, when we were also superior in the 90 minutes, as has occurred to us against Osasuna.
“After dominating for 90 minutes, they tied the game against us in the dying seconds for failing to clear a ball. Despite the fact that it has been a really difficult week, we must remain competitive and keep our composure.”
Osasuna scored on all four of their penalties, just as Barcelona did a week earlier, and Pellegrini had no complaints about Claudio Bravo in the goal.
In football, things “happen,” he said. It’s not necessary to criticize him on anything related to penalty shootouts. The shooter has more options for placement than the goalkeeper does for clearance. The goalkeeper is not at fault.”
Pellegrini acknowledged that the loss was painful, and that Betis must now concentrate on LaLiga, where they are currently sixth, and the Europa League, where they are currently in the round of 16.
The Chilean remarked, “It’s a hit both mentally and physically.” We’ve dropped two games due to penalties. We must never stop looking ahead. We have the Europa League as well as the league to contend for.”
