Pepe Mel hoping for league distraction

Real Betis boss Pepe Mel has admitted that a positive result in the Europa League on Thursday would provide a welcome relief from their disappointing start to the La Liga season.

Betis, who were challengers for the top four last season, have lost both of their league fixtures thus far, but are on course to quality for the group stages of the Europa League – holding a 2-1 lead against Jablonec in their playoff tie ahead of the second leg.

"It's a very unique game, if we were to lose then we could be out. Over there in the first leg we probably played our worst game from the last six, but this Betis deserves the benefit of the doubt," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Jablonec have played six official games more than us and they are tough, physically strong and are playing well. This is not easy and we will have to be at 100 per cent. Morale after two league defeats? We have to keep playing well and taking chances, something that we have not been doing in recent games.

"The games that we did not have to win, we managed to, and the games where we should have won, we have lost. We must realise our level throughout the games. I am satisfied with what the team has done, just not the results."

"The team needs a positive outcome tomorrow and it may be a good day. To progress in the competition would make us see that we are on the right track. The feelings are important, but we must endorse them with points."

Betis enter the match off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo at the weekend.