Real Betis Balompié returns to the Champions League tonight after a 21-year absence, facing Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Manuel Pellegrini's side arrives in high spirits following its La Liga victory over Real Madrid, a result that places it fourth in the table with 9 points. The Verdiblancos approach their continental debut eager to earn their first points in the group.
How is Betis shaping up for its Champions League return?
The return to Europe's elite competition comes in Manuel Pellegrini's seventh project at the helm. Pellegrini noted in a press conference that "the Champions League is a dangerous competition. We cannot lose sight of the league." The team has a record of 5 goals scored and 5 conceded in LaLiga and sits three points behind leaders Barcelona.
The squad has been bolstered for this challenge with additions like Dani Ceballos, Fran García, and Facundo Bernal. However, the team faces the match with several key absences: Iker Losada, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Aitor Ruibal, and Diego Llorente are currently sidelined, as detailed on our injuries page.
What does Dani Ceballos's return mean?
Dani Ceballos has fulfilled his desire to return to Betis after several summers of speculation. His original departure to Real Madrid in 2017 for 16 million euros was a complicated moment for the fans. Now, the 30-year-old midfielder could make his official second debut on the biggest stage.
His return has not been straightforward, following years with a secondary role at Real Madrid and a loan spell at Arsenal. Ceballos traveled to Lille with the squad list and the hope of contributing to the Champions League project. His signing is seen as a quality reinforcement for Betis's midfield.
What did José Mourinho say about the controversy involving Betis?
Ahead of his Real Madrid's match against Inter, José Mourinho referenced the controversial penalty decision in Betis's favor in the recent league match. The Portuguese coach questioned the VAR's judgment. "If the VAR didn't order a review out of ignorance, they should go home and not do VAR," Mourinho stated.
The Madrid manager clarified that he did not blame that incident for the defeat but expressed his puzzlement over the lack of a review. His comments added another chapter to the narrative of Betis's morale-boosting win over the champion.
How did the club prepare for this challenge?
Club sources explained to El País Deportes that planning for the Champions League was "contained." The aim was to "build a competitive team without spending recklessly." This philosophy aligns with the stability brought by the Pellegrini era, which has delivered six consecutive European qualifications.
The opponent, Lille, is managed by Davide Ancelotti and features players like Ethan Mbappé and Olivier Giroud. For Betis, this match is the first step in gauging its chances of progressing from the group stage. After the match in France, the team will refocus on LaLiga, where its next fixture is an away trip to Villarreal on September 14.
