More than two decades after their only previous Champions League campaign, Real Betis have returned with intent. Manuel Pellegrini’s side opened by winning at Lille, twice recovering from behind in France, and now take their continental revival to Seville for Porto’s visit.
Quick facts
- Betis last hosted a Champions League match on 6 December 2005, against Anderlecht.
- The match with Porto will be played at La Cartuja rather than the Benito Villamarín.
- Porto lost their opening European fixture at home to Manchester City.
- The Portuguese side have won all eight of their league matches this season.
- Antony is available again after a muscle problem.
La Cartuja has become Betis’ temporary home and a formidable setting for Pellegrini’s team. It will host Champions League football in Seville as Porto arrive needing a response after their defeat at the Estádio do Dragão on matchday one.
The venue carries a significant memory for the visitors. Porto beat Celtic there in the 2003 UEFA Cup final, one of the major European triumphs in the club’s history.
They bring substantial quality despite their early continental setback. Froholdt, the recovered Samu and Gabri Veiga are among the players available to Porto, whose domestic start has been flawless with eight wins from eight.
Betis, however, have no intention of treating this campaign as a brief return to the elite. Their comeback began with the resilience shown at Lille, where they overturned a deficit on two separate occasions, and the ambition is to progress deep into the competition.
Antony’s return gives Pellegrini another attacking option after his muscular issue. The Betis coach could also make changes, with Marc Bartra, Facundo Bernal, Ceballos and Troy Parrott all pushing for involvement.
The focus will again fall on captain Isco Alarcón. A five-time Champions League winner, he now has the chance to lead Betis into a new European chapter, with Porto standing between the club and another statement night at La Cartuja.
