Cucho Hernández double sinks Real Oviedo as Pellegrini sets LaLiga record

Key facts

• Cucho Hernández scored twice (22', 58') to lead Real Betis to a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo.
• Manuel Pellegrini became the third manager in LaLiga history to record victories against 40 different teams.
• Real Betis moved to 53 points, six clear of sixth-place Celta Vigo, strengthening their Europa League qualification bid.
• Real Oviedo remain bottom with 28 points, seven points from safety with only four matches remaining.
• The attendance at Estadio de La Cartuja was 57,578.
• Real Betis extended their unbeaten head-to-head run against Oviedo to 14 games (W7, D7).

A clinical double from Hernández seals comfortable victory

Cucho Hernández scored twice as Real Betis defeated Real Oviedo 3-0 at the Estadio de La Cartuja on Sunday, pushing the visitors closer to relegation. The Colombian striker opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, tucking home from 15 yards after Pablo Fornals' deflected cross fell kindly for him. He added his second in the 58th minute, flicking Abde Ezzalzouli's cross in off the post for his 10th LaLiga goal of the season. Abde Ezzalzouli had doubled Betis' lead just before half-time, poking home from close range after Antony's cross. The victory was never in doubt for the home side, who controlled the game from start to finish.

Pellegrini joins elite club with 40th different opponent conquered

Manuel Pellegrini became only the third manager in LaLiga history to record victories against 40 different teams in the competition. The Chilean tactician joins an exclusive group that includes the likes of Miguel Muñoz and Luis Aragonés. Pellegrini's side have not lost at home in the league since December, and they are now six points clear of sixth-place Celta Vigo, which could prove crucial if Spain is awarded a fifth UEFA Champions League qualifying spot. Real Betis have the 10th-best home record in La Liga this season, picking up 27 points from 16 matches, but they have been formidable against Oviedo, unbeaten in all competitions since January 1993.

Oviedo's relegation fears deepen after missed chances and VAR controversy

Real Oviedo began the match eight points adrift of safety and started brightly, with Ilyas Chaira forcing Álvaro Valles into a sprawling stop within 15 seconds of kick-off. Valles was called into action again shortly after when he saved Alberto Reina's shot on the turn, before Santiago Colombatto whipped a free-kick just wide of the near post. However, their good work was undone midway through the half when Hernández scored. The visitors felt they should have had a penalty when Sofyan Amrabat caught Thiago Fernández with his studs as he slid in on the byline. Their frustrations grew after the break when Federico Viñas thought he had halved the deficit with a header, only for VAR to show he was centimetres offside. Oviedo brought 41-year-old Santi Cazorla off the bench as they looked to fight back, but before he could make an impact, Betis added a third goal.

Oviedo's survival hopes hang by a thread with four games left

Real Oviedo remain bottom of La Liga with 28 points, seven points from safety with only four matches remaining. The Blues have won three of their last six league matches to give themselves a chance, but the gap to 17th-placed Mallorca is now seven points. Their remaining fixtures include matches against Getafe, Real Madrid, Alaves and Mallorca. Guillermo Almada's side entered this match off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Elche, but they did win their last away match, beating Celta Vigo 3-0 on April 12. However, their issues in the first half of the season are expected to lead to relegation back to the Segunda Division.

Betis eye Europa League as fifth place solidifies

Real Betis are in pole position to finish fifth in Spain's top flight this season and secure Europa League qualification for the 2026-27 campaign. They are facing pressure from the likes of Getafe and Celta Vigo, who are just six points behind them. Pellegrini's side disappointingly fell short in the Europa League this term, losing to Braga in the quarter-finals, but their response has been strong, beating Girona and then drawing with Real Madrid to make it four points from their last two matches. The Seville outfit have not lost to Oviedo in the league since April 1991, and the last two meetings between the sides had finished level, including a 1-1 draw in their reverse clash in January.

Match stats and key moments

The match ended 3-0 with goals from Hernández (22', 58') and Ezzalzouli (45+'). Attendance was 57,578 at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Real Betis had several chances to increase their lead, with Chaira making a goal-saving sliding interception to deny Ezzalzouli a tap-in at the far post. Viñas twice headed off target for Oviedo, and Valles saved Reina's shot with his legs late on. Substitutions included Chimy Ávila replacing Hernández for Betis. The fourth official announced zero minutes of added time, and there were delays for injuries to Héctor Bellerín and Ezzalzouli. Flashscore named Hernández as Man of the Match.

The bottom line

• Cucho Hernández scored twice to take his LaLiga tally to 10 goals, leading Betis to a 3-0 win.
• Manuel Pellegrini became the third manager in LaLiga history to beat 40 different teams.
• Real Betis moved six points clear of sixth place, strengthening their Europa League qualification hopes.
• Real Oviedo remain bottom, seven points from safety with only four games left.
• VAR disallowed a potential Oviedo goal for offside, adding to their frustrations.
• Oviedo's next matches include Getafe, Real Madrid, Alaves and Mallorca.