Porto’s Champions League visit to Real Betis carries a personal weight for Samu Aghehowa, who is set to make his competition debut in the city where he spent most of his life. Yet the forward insisted that sentiment will give way to Porto’s central objective on Wednesday: taking victory from Sevilla in the second matchday of the league phase.
Key takeaways
- Samu Aghehowa described his return to Sevilla for a Champions League debut as a special moment, but said Porto have travelled to win.
- The striker says he has fully moved beyond his injury and believes another goal will arrive soon.
- Porto coach Francesco Farioli expects a demanding test against an in-form Betis side with major pace in attack.
- Farioli confirmed that both Samu and Zaidu travelled with the intention of being available to play.
- Porto are concerned about the condition of the pitch and will make final selection decisions on Wednesday morning.
A homecoming with Porto’s European task in mind
For Aghehowa, the trip brings family, friends and a return to familiar surroundings. “Coming back to Sevilla is always special,” he said. “I have spent most of my life here. Making my Champions League debut here is one of those things that life brings together. I hope it is a great day, not only for me but for the team.”
He has already contacted friends who support Betis and requested tickets for them, while his family will have the chance to see his first appearance in the competition. “There is room for everyone,” he said.
But the Spain international made clear that Porto cannot allow the occasion to distract them. He said the match means a great deal personally, while stressing that his priority is contributing to the team, whether through goals or his wider work for the side.
The forward also offered an upbeat assessment of his physical state after injury. He said he had worked harder than ever during his absence, sacrificed everything to return, and now feels even better than before. “The injury is behind me and I am ready for what comes next,” he said, adding that he has no fear and is happy to be playing again.
Aghehowa believes his recent training and match sharpness will lead him back to scoring. “The important thing is that I feel good in training and in games,” he said. “That is the route that will take me to what I enjoy most: scoring. I do not think it will be long before I score again.”
He also reflected on a difficult month in which he was unable to be involved when his country became world champions. Aghehowa said he had preferred not to dwell on the disappointment, but is now focused on helping Porto and, potentially, returning to international consideration in the future.
Farioli prepares Porto for Betis pace and a difficult surface
Farioli expects Betis to meet Porto with the same intent to control the occasion and chase the points. He highlighted the Spanish side’s strong domestic form, their impressive recent sequence of results and the continuity provided by their long-serving coach, whom he described as a legendary figure with more than 1,200 professional matches behind him.
“They know each other very well,” Farioli said of Betis. He pointed to quality across the squad, dangerous individual players and, above all, their speed in forward areas.
Porto’s coach warned that Betis are capable both in possession and on the break. His side, he said, must respond to what the opposition do rather than assume they can dictate every phase themselves. The visitors will need concentration against a team he regards as particularly lethal in transition.
Farioli also addressed the availability of Samu and Zaidu, making clear that neither player had travelled merely to join the group. “They came with us to play,” he said.
There is, however, a concern over the playing surface. Farioli said the pitch is not expected to be in good condition, comparing the situation to Porto’s match against Marítimo. He acknowledged that such details can affect players mentally and physically, though he said the squad’s pre-season preparation and ongoing work are designed to handle such problems.
Final checks on certain players will take place before Porto decide their starting XI on Wednesday morning. Farioli’s aim is for his team to leave a stadium that holds special meaning for the club with a European result to remember.
