For Samu Aghehowa, Porto’s Champions League trip to Real Betis carries the weight of both a vital league-phase fixture and a return to the city that shaped him. The 22-year-old Spain international, born in Melilla and raised in Seville, could make his first appearance in the competition on Wednesday at La Cartuja, with Porto needing a response after opening their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
Erling Haaland struck twice for City in Porto’s first league-phase match, leaving the Portuguese champions with an immediate need to find points away from home. Samu insisted that, however personal the occasion may feel, Porto arrive in Andalusia with only one priority: victory.
“Returning to Seville is always special because I spent most of my life here,” he said. “But we come here with one aim, which is to win. The most important thing is helping the team, whether that is through goals or through my work.”
The forward developed at AD Nervión before moving through Granada and Atlético Madrid, later spending the 2023-24 season on loan at Alavés. His route back to Seville has been complicated by a serious knee injury, suffered in February, which kept him out for several months after damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Now back in Porto colours, Samu believes he has emerged from that rehabilitation period stronger and without apprehension. He said he had “sacrificed everything” to return, worked harder than ever during his recovery and feels better than he did before the injury.
“I have no fear,” he said. “The injury is in the past and I am ready for whatever comes. I feel great and very happy to be playing again.”
He has yet to rediscover his scoring rhythm, but sees his current progress as the route back to the part of the game he enjoys most. “Feeling good in training and in matches is the key,” Samu said. “That is the path that will take me back to scoring goals. I think I will score again soon.”
A homecoming with Porto’s European needs attached
The fixture has also given Samu’s family the chance to watch what could be his Champions League debut in person. When the draw produced a meeting with Betis in Seville, he immediately contacted friends and relatives, many of whom support the home side.
“I asked for some tickets, of course,” he said with a smile. “But there is room for everyone.”
He hopes the night becomes more than a personal landmark. “Making my Champions League debut here is one of those coincidences in life,” he said. “I hope it is a great day not only for me, but for the team as well.”
Porto will face a Betis side Samu believes has made significant strides in recent seasons and is performing strongly in LaLiga. He highlighted the quality in the hosts’ squad, including captain Isco Alarcón, whom he has encountered once while with the Spain national team.
“Isco has a lot of talent,” Samu said, but added that Porto must avoid being drawn into an individual contest. “We have a great team too. We need to focus on ourselves and play a good match.”
For Porto, that focus is essential after the setback against Manchester City. For Samu, the European night brings family, old friends and the possibility of a first Champions League appearance in the place he still calls home. Yet the emotional return will count for little unless Porto leave Seville with the result their campaign now requires.
