Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini intervened to settle a heated confrontation between Abde Ezzalzouli and Cucho Hernández during the club's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sporting Braga.
The tension erupted in the 61st minute after a penalty was awarded to the Spanish side. Abde, who was fouled to earn the spot-kick, initially took the ball to the penalty spot, leading to a confrontation with the designated taker, Colombian striker Cucho Hernández.
As the two players argued, Hernández approached the Betis bench to seek clarification from Pellegrini. The manager confirmed that Hernández remained the designated penalty taker, prompting the Colombian to sprint toward the spot and forcibly take the ball from his teammate.
Captain Marc Bartra also stepped in to urge Abde to move away from the area. The Moroccan winger left the scene visibly upset, walking toward his own half without celebrating the subsequent goal.
A crucial draw for Betis
Hernández successfully converted the penalty to secure a 1-1 draw, erasing an early deficit caused by a fifth-minute goal from Florian Grillitsch. While the players reconciled after the goal, the incident remained the talking point of the match.
“The designated player for penalties is Cucho, and he took the responsibility,” Pellegrini said, attempting to close the matter.
Hernández addressed the tension following the match, emphasizing team unity. “I always want to score. Now comes the most important part and we have to all move in the same direction, because there is something very beautiful ahead and it doesn't matter who scores if it is for the good of the team,” the Colombian striker stated.
Pellegrini expressed satisfaction with the overall result despite the early setback against the technically gifted Braga side. He noted that while the team missed several opportunities, their reaction kept them in the tie.
“I am satisfied with the first half, as it is not easy after conceding a goal so early. We drew when we had fewer chances, but they didn't make many either,” Pellegrini said.
The manager concluded that the away draw provides a solid foundation for the second leg at home, provided the squad maintains defensive discipline.
