Real Betis Edge Past Elche to Reach Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals

15 January 2026 Sports

Betis Advance with Home Victory

Real Betis and Elche faced each other on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Estádio Benito Villamarín, in a crucial Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash. Real Betis secured a 2-1 victory over Elche, with goals from Chimy Ávila in the 68th and 80th minutes, whilst Elche’s Léo Pétrot scored in the 58th minute. The result means the winner advances to the quarterfinals, getting closer to the Copa del Rey 2025/2026 title.

Importance of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey remains one of Spain’s most prestigious football competitions, offering teams from all divisions the chance to compete for silverware. For Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, progression in the tournament provides an important opportunity to secure a trophy this season. Real Betis finished sixth in La Liga with 60 points, securing their place in the UEFA Europa League for the 2025–26 season, and cup success would further validate their campaign.

Elche, meanwhile, have returned to top-flight football after securing promotion to La Liga by finishing second in the Segunda Division during the 2024-25 season. Their Copa del Rey run represented a chance to make a statement against established La Liga opposition.

Match Details and Team News

The match attracted an attendance of 37,635 at Estadio Benito Villamarín, with referee Jesús Gil Manzano officiating. Both teams faced significant injury challenges heading into the fixture. Real Betis were without Angel Ortiz, Hector Bellerin, Juan Hernández, Junior Firpo, and Isco due to injury, whilst Elche had injuries to key forwards Rafa Mir and André Silva.

The match statistics showed Elche dominated possession with 62.3% compared to Betis’s 37.7%, and both teams registered similar shot attempts. However, Betis’s clinical finishing, particularly from substitute Chimy Ávila, proved decisive in securing their quarter-final berth.

Looking Ahead

Real Betis’s progression keeps their Copa del Rey ambitions alive as they seek to add to their trophy cabinet. The victory provides momentum for Manuel Pellegrini’s side as they balance domestic league commitments with their European campaign. For Elche, focus now returns to their La Liga survival battle, where every point will be crucial in maintaining their top-flight status. The Copa del Rey quarter-final draw will determine Betis’s next opponents in their quest for glory.