Real Betis Push Oviedo Nearer Relegation with Convincing LaLiga Triumph

Starting the day eight points from safety, Oviedo showed urgency from the outset, as Ilyas Chaira compelled Álvaro Valles to make a diving save barely 15 seconds into the match.

Valles faced more pressure soon afterwards, stopping Alberto Reina's volley, while Santiago Colombatto curled a free kick narrowly past the upright.

Yet, Los Azules' early promise unravelled around the halfway mark when Pablo Fornals' wayward delivery ricocheted favourably towards Hernández, allowing Betis' leading LaLiga marksman to slot it away from 15 yards.

Oviedo squandered promising chances in pursuit of a leveller, though Betis might have pulled further ahead had Chaira not made a crucial sliding block to thwart Abde Ezzalzouli's close-range effort at the back post.

The away side believed they deserved a spot kick after Sofyan Amrabat's studs raked Thiago Fernández during a challenge near the touchline, and their annoyance mounted as Antony's pass enabled Ezzalzouli to nudge in and extend Los Verdiblancos' lead right before the interval.

Just eight minutes into the second half, Los Azules suffered another tight call when Federico Viñas celebrated reducing the arrears with a headed effort, but VAR ruled it out by mere centimetres for offside.

As Oviedo introduced 41-year-old Santi Cazorla to spark a comeback, Betis struck again swiftly, with Hernández glancing Abde Ezzalzouli's delivery onto the woodwork and in for his 10th league strike this campaign during a swift break.

Viñas nodded wide on two occasions prior to Valles blocking Reina's attempt with his feet, yet Betis comfortably held firm to prolong their unbeaten record against this opponent over 14 encounters (W7, D7).

Under Pellegrini, the team remains undefeated on home soil in the top flight since December, now holding a six-point margin over Celta Vigo in sixth, a buffer that may matter should Spain secure an extra UEFA Champions League qualifier.

Meanwhile, Oviedo appear destined for a swift drop back to the second division, with only four LaLiga fixtures left.