Real Betis into Conference League semis after Jagiellonia draw

WARSAW, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Betis eliminated Jagiellonia Bialystok in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals after drawing with the Polish champion 1-1 away on Thursday evening, after Manuel Pellegrini's team had won the first leg 2-0.

The visitor controlled the game from the start and after a goalless first half Betis was close to securing its spot in the semifinals of a European competition for the first time in the club's history.

In the 78th minute Betis broke the deadlock. Aitor Ruibal found Cedric Bakambu in the penalty area and the striker gave his team a 1-0 lead.

However, Jagiellonia was able to respond. In the 81st minute, Darko Churlinov found space in the area and he fired a low shot into the far corner to level things up.

Though Jagiellonia fought until the end, the remaining minutes remained goalless, and Betis duly progressed.

"Reaching the best four was our objective and we did it. The team is getting stronger and stronger. We want to win that competition," Pellegrini said during the post-match press conference. ■