Pellegrini: “We’d sign up for 16 points from 21” after 1-1

manel Pellegrini left Riazor feeling positive despite Betis’ 1-1 draw, after the side scored first through Cucho Hernández and conceded in the 86th minute against Deportivo. The Chilean said the match was balanced and that, based on how the game unfolded, the point felt “fair”.

A “fair” draw

As he explained on DAZN, Pellegrini tried to slow down the home team’s momentum by adjusting the midfield, bringing in players like Isco or Dani Ceballos to “have more possession” and cut off counter-attacks. Still, he admitted Deportivo deserved credit, particularly in the second half, adding that they “played a very good second time”.

The glass half full

Pellegrini also underlined Betis’ league start, pointing out that before the international break they have 16 points from the first seven matchdays (16 from 21). “If someone told us we’d get 16 points from 21 in our first seven games, we’d sign it,” he said, stressing that the squad “believes in what it’s doing”. He also argued that drawing away is not a bad outcome and reflects the team’s mentality.

How he saw it

In the press room, he summarised the game further: the first half was Betis’—Deportivo hardly managed a shot on target—while the second half flipped, with Deportivo dominating. He also noted Betis had dangerous counters that could have put the match to bed. He pointed to accumulated fatigue from “three official games in just seven days”, insisting that the overall output is “high” for any team aiming to compete for something.

VAR and the Cucho incident

Finally, when asked about a VAR check involving Cucho Hernández and Ximo Navarro and a possible red card, Pellegrini defended his player firmly: “The one who wins the ball is Cucho; he hits first and then they clash in his head with the foot. I don’t think it was a sending off… and there was no direct kick to the head,” as reported by MARCA.