Real Betis Balompié returns to the Champions League group stage after 21 years of absence. The draw, held on August 26, placed the team in Bombo 2 alongside powerhouses such as Borussia Dortmund and Roma.
What does Betis’s return to the Champions mean?
Returning to Europe’s most prestigious club competition marks a historic milestone. With 2 wins, 0 draws and 0 losses in its first two La Liga matches, Betis sits second with 6 points. They have scored 2 goals and conceded none, showing a solid defence.
Who are the opponents in Bombo 2?
Bombo 2 contains Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Sporting Portugal, Aston Villa, Oporto, Manchester United, Brujas, PSV Eindhoven and Betis. The team will face eight distinct clubs, without repeats and without any Spanish club. No more than two teams from the same federation will appear.
When and where will the matches be played?
The draw took place at 18:00 on Thursday, and the group-stage schedule will be released no later than Saturday 29 August. The matches will be spread over eight rounds:
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8-10 Sep |
| 2 | 13-14 Oct |
| 3 | 20-21 Oct |
| 4 | 3-4 Nov |
| 5 | 24-25 Nov |
| 6 | 8-9 Dec |
| 7 | 19-20 Jan |
| 8 | 27 Jan |
Four games will be played at La Cartuja and four away.
What follows for Betis after the draw?
If Betis finishes in the top eight, it will advance to the round of 16 with first-leg matches on 9-10 March and second-leg matches on 16-17 March. A finish between ninth and twenty-fourth will trigger a playoff with first-leg matches on 16-17 February and second-leg matches on 23-24 February. A position between twenty-fifth and thirty-sixth means elimination.
How will this affect the La Liga season?
The European commitment will add load to Betis’s calendar, but their current table position gives them room to manage the double duty. The next league fixture is against Levante, a home loss for Betis on 29 August.
To follow the team’s progress, check our fixtures and standings pages.
