Real Betis began their UEFA Youth League campaign with a resounding home win over Porto, turning a competitive first half into a one-sided European afternoon at the club’s training ground. Carlos Geraldo’s side backed up last month’s draw in Lille with an attacking display that underlined their intent in the competition.
Quick facts
- Real Betis defeated Porto heavily in the UEFA Youth League.
- Rafa Oya opened the scoring in the 48th minute after recently extending his contract.
- Porto’s Ferreira was sent off in the 68th minute.
- Juanma Reyes and Casti each scored twice after the interval.
- Betis had drawn their opening match in Lille last month.
A sizeable crowd gathered at the training complex before the senior side’s Champions League fixture later that evening, and Betis’ academy players gave them plenty to enjoy. The hosts controlled the contest from the outset, although their early football was not immediately rewarded with a goal.
Oya finally broke Porto’s resistance in the 48th minute, putting Betis ahead with a finish that reflected the home side’s superiority. It was the platform Geraldo’s team needed.
The second half became increasingly open as Porto left spaces in pursuit of a response. Betis attacked those gaps at pace, repeatedly finding room in transition and refusing to reduce the tempo even as the Portuguese side tried to slow the match down.
Ferreira’s dismissal in the 68th minute further tilted the contest towards the home side. Juanma Reyes continued his scoring run with two goals, while Casti also struck twice as Porto’s resistance collapsed.
It was another emphatic meeting between the clubs after their two encounters last season, a tie in which Betis prevailed in a nine-goal overall battle. This time, the Andalusians again showed the attacking edge that made them one of the competition’s most entertaining youth teams last term.
Having reached significant knockout stages in each of the previous two campaigns, Betis have made an early statement about their ambitions this season. Geraldo’s side carry both the depth of talent and the hunger to be among the leading contenders as the Youth League develops.
