Real Betis secured their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over HJK Helsinki at the Benito Villamarín Stadium on December 19, 2024. The Andalucian team came under pressure to avoid defeat after struggling through the earlier matches of the group phase, making this victory particularly pivotal for their European ambitions.
Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, fielded several key players, including goal-scorer Johnny Cardoso, to bolster their chances against the Finnish side. The contest was intense, with both teams knowing the stakes were high. HJK Helsinki’s coach, Toni Korkeakunnas, remarked on his side's difficulties, highlighting moments where they failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, indicating, "We didn't score from our own chances and we gave away one or two sloppy goals like we did today…"
From the outset, Betis showcased their intent to dominate. They controlled possession and exerted pressure on HJK Helsinki, who had recently faced challenges of form due to the winter break of their domestic league. The first half was firmly in Betis's control, with numerous attempts to break the deadlock. Finally, Cardoso found the back of the net by capitalizing on a mistake by HJK’s goalkeeper, Thijmen Nijhuis, intercepting a misplaced pass and deftly dribbling around him to score. This goal, coming at the 27-minute mark, ignited celebrations among the home crowd and established the lead Betis needed.
Pellegrini's tactics looked promising as his side pushed for a second goal. Despite several chances to extend their lead, Betis failed to find the net again before halftime. The Uruguayan summed up his feelings post-match by stating, "I'm very happy because we won 1-0. They didn't score against us, and they had been scoring against us in the last few games..."
Upon the restart, Betis maintained pressure, focusing on extending their lead and securing their progression without unnecessary drama. The second half, though rife with opportunities, saw them struggle to put the ball past Nijhuis again. HJK attempted to push back but could not find the rhythm needed to trouble the Betis backline seriously. Korkeakunnas praised his team’s spirit, acknowledging their struggle and reiterate the importance of taking chances: "It was a brave performance playing against a top team from La Liga away from home. There was progression in our game… We were able to keep them out, [but] the only goal they got, we just gave away."
Despite some moments of hesitation, particularly when HJK scored what appeared to be the equalizer late on, only for it to be disallowed due to offside, Betis held firm. The presence of goalkeeper Adrián was proven invaluable as he made key saves to maintain his team’s lead and clinch the victory, securing Betis's position at the top of their group, ideally setting them up for their next match against March's playoff contenders, either Gent or FC Kobenhavn.
With this clear triumph, Betis aims to build momentum as they advance toward the knockout round, where they hope to improve their European performance dramatically. Cardoso, who stood out during the match, commented on the team's mixed form but expressed determination: "We know in Europe we’ve not been at our best level like in the league, but now we’ve got through, and we have to keep on improving and working hard."
The win over HJK Helsinki was not just about the scoreline. It symbolizes Betis's resilience and determination to overcome prior setbacks, demonstrating they have what it takes to contend among Europe’s elite. The enthusiastic home crowd, which witnessed the match at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, left with high hopes for the future as Pellegrini’s men set their eyes on new challenges. With injuries and absences, they will need to dig deep and perhaps adjust tactically, but for now, they revel in the sweet taste of this victory.
