Real Sociedad and Real Betis clinch Europa League spots on La Liga’s dramatic final day

By Feargal Brennan - 22 May 2021, 21:12

210516 Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad in action during the La Liga football match between Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid CF on May 16, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain. Photo: Xumplo / BILDBYRAN / Cop 283 bbeng fotboll football fotball soccer la liga primera division spanska ligan spanien spain *** 210516 Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad in action during the La Liga football match between Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid CF on May 16, 2021 in San Sebastian, Spain Photo Xumplo BILDBYRAN Cop 283 bbeng fotboll football fotball soccer la liga primera division spanska ligan spain spain, PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxAUT Copyright: Xumplo BB210516BB636

Real Sociedad and Real Betis have clinched La Liga‘s two Europa League spots for the 2021/22 season on a dramatic final day.

La Real squeezed themselves into fifth place on the last day of the campaign as Juan Perez deflected home Alexander Isak‘s strike to give Imanol Alguacil‘s side a 1-0 win away at Osasuna.

🇪🇺 Europa es REAL 💙#AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/jEqaEPkUdM

— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) May 22, 2021

Manuel Pellegrini‘s side will be joining them in the Europa League next season they battled back to snatch a late three points away at Celta Vigo.

The Andalucians had looked destined to fall at the final hurdle at the Estadio Balaidos as the home side raced into a 2-0 lead with a hour to play.

However, a late rally with goals from Borja Iglesias, Nabil Fekir and Victor Ruiz sealed a 3-2 comeback win for Pellegrini’s ten men.

93’ ⏱⚽ ¡¡FINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!! 👏👏 ¡Somos equipo de @EuropaLeague! 🇪🇺😊

🔵⚪ #CeltaRealBetis 2-3 💚🤍#DíaDeBetis pic.twitter.com/pnBDsVxwpP

— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) May 22, 2021

Villarreal will play in the newly created Europa Conference League after finishing seventh unless they win next week’s Europa League final against Manchester United to qualify as winners.

Image via Getty Images