Mariano Pavone hopes his first goals for Real Betis will lift the pressure off coach Hector Cuper after last night's 2-1 victory over Real Zaragoza.

Defeat for Betis could have seen Cuper sacked and Pavone said after his two-goal display: "The coach doesn't deserve this pressure. I wish that everyone could see the great work he does in training during the week.

"But now people can see that there is no problem with his coaching after the win today."

Former Estudiantes star Pavone hadn't scored in Spain before last night and he added: "I hope Betis fans will now see a different Pavone. I hope these goals can lift my confidence."