The result gave Real Betis nine points from their opening three matches and strengthened their position among the leading teams in the competition. Pellegrini described the victory as an important step towards qualification, although he insisted his players would continue to pursue the highest possible finish.
“It was a very important victory against a great opponent. We had an excellent first half, although perhaps we needed more composure in the final third to create clearer chances,” the Betis coach said.
Troy Parrott missed a promising first-half opportunity, while Feyenoord also threatened before the break. Betis eventually found the breakthrough in the 59th minute, when Isco converted from the spot after Jeremiah St Juste was penalised for handball.
Pellegrini was particularly pleased with the clean sheet. Betis had conceded in their previous matches against Barcelona, Porto and Osasuna, making the defensive performance an important source of encouragement.
“I really liked keeping a clean sheet. Feyenoord are an attacking team and had been scoring goals, but in the first half they barely got beyond the halfway line. In the second half they had more possession, but they could not create clear chances,” he said.
The coach praised the collective contribution of his defenders, including Fran García, Marc Bartra and Héctor Bellerín, rather than singling out one individual. He also welcomed Isco's continued improvement following his injury, explaining that the midfielder had gradually rebuilt his fitness through carefully managed minutes.
“He is an extraordinary footballer, with tremendous ease on the ball. The injury was complicated and made it difficult for him to perform. We gradually gave him minutes and managed his workload well. Now he is better, which is good news because he gives us so much on and off the pitch,” Pellegrini said.
The manager also addressed Antony's reaction to being substituted, explaining that the decision was tactical and that there had been no problem between them. Dani Ceballos' introduction, meanwhile, helped Betis regain control of possession.
Pellegrini refused to become distracted by his personal place among the coaches with the most Champions League appearances. His priority remains the team's progress, with 15 points still available in the league phase when he addressed the campaign's remaining fixtures.
“We are not going to relax. In every match we will try to play well and win, regardless of the standings,” he said.
Betis have now made an impressive start to their European campaign, combining attacking ambition with a defensive solidity that could prove essential as the competition progresses.