Real Betis return to Champions League home action on Wednesday night with Porto arriving at La Cartuja for a second league-phase match that carries added weight after the Andalusians’ opening victory in Lille. Manuel Pellegrini’s side won 3-2 in France and now have the chance to turn an encouraging start into a statement week in Europe, 21 years after Betis last hosted a match in the competition.
Key takeaways
- Betis face Porto at 21:00 at Estadio La Cartuja, which is expected to welcome a large crowd.
- The Spanish side began their league-phase campaign with a 3-2 away win over Lille.
- Pellegrini has called for ambition, commitment, strong individual performances and collective balance.
- Porto are managed by Francesco Farioli and arrive with extensive Champions League experience.
- French referee Clement Turpin will take charge, with Willy Delajod assigned to VAR duties.
A significant homecoming in Europe
Although the fixture will not be played at the Benito Villamarín, it represents Betis’ first Champions League match as the home side in more than two decades. La Cartuja, with a capacity of around 60,000, provides the setting for a night that could shape the club’s continental ambitions early in the league phase.
Pellegrini has urged his players to approach the occasion with belief. “We have the ability to achieve important things,” the Betis coach said before the match.
He also stressed the scale of the challenge posed by Porto, describing the visitors as a difficult opponent accustomed to competing in the Champions League every season. Betis, he said, will need high-level displays from individuals alongside a well-functioning team performance if they are to contain the Portuguese side.
The match is scheduled to be shown live on Movistar Liga de Campeones.
Teams selected for La Cartuja
Porto captain Diogo Costa starts in goal, behind a defence featuring Martim Fernandes, Rosario, Jakub Kiwior and Moura. Alan Varela, Froholdt and Veiga form the midfield, with Borja Sainz, Pepe and André Silva chosen across the forward line.
Betis name Álvaro Valles in goal. Ángel Ortiz, Marc Bartra, Natan and Fran García make up the back four, while Marc Roca and Deossa operate in midfield. Antony, captain Isco and Abde support Troy Parrott in attack.
| Real Betis | Porto |
|---|---|
| Á. Valles | D. Costa (C) |
| Ángel Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Fran García | Martim Fernandes, Rosario, Kiwior, Moura |
| Marc Roca, Deossa | Alan Varela, Froholdt, Veiga |
| Antony, Isco (C), Abde | Borja Sainz, Pepe, André Silva |
| Parrott |
Betis have Dani Conde, Bellerín, Llorente, Valentín Gómez, Bernal, Fidalgo, Ceballos, Fornals, Lo Celso, Riquelme, Morante and Cucho among their substitutes.
Porto’s bench includes C. Ramos, Zaidu, Nehuén Pérez, Alberto Costa, Joao Souza, L. Gomes, Hwang In-Beom, Fofana, Teixeira, Pietuszewski, Samu and Giménez.
