Manuel Pellegrini and Pablo Fornals have addressed the media to preview Real Betis Balompié's Champions League clash with Feyenoord. The match, corresponding to the third matchday of the group stage, will be played this Wednesday at 19:00 GMT at the Benito Villamarín.

Pellegrini made it clear the focus is solely on the European competition, moving on from the 2-5 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga. "Not playing the previous match does not mean playing the next one," the Chilean coach stated, underlining the need for a specific approach for each opponent. The Verdiblancos, who sit fourth in La Liga with 19 points, face a congested period of fixtures and must manage their physical condition.

Absences and probable lineup

Betis will face the Eredivisie leaders without their injured Colombian forward Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández. In his place, Irish striker Troy Parrott is expected to start up front. Pellegrini praised the substitute, stating that "Parrott is better than Cucho". The probable starting XI would see Álvaro Vallés in goal, a defence of Ángel Ortiz, Diego Llorente, Marc Bartra and Valentín Gómez, and a midfield of Facundo Bernal, Pablo Fornals and Antony. Creativity would come from Isco and Abde Ezzalzouli, the team's top scorer this season with three goals, supporting Parrott in attack.

Target: a third win

A victory over Feyenoord would mark Betis's third consecutive win in the Champions League, following successes against Lille and Porto. This result would stays as serious contenders for direct qualification to the round of 16. The team arrives in good spirits with a recent run of three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Their next league fixture is on Saturday away to eighth-placed Celta Vigo at Balaídos.

Pellegrini also commented on the state of the pitch at La Cartuja, which was not treated properly after an amateur match, but assured his team would not be affected and would focus on technical play. On VAR, the manager maintained a constructive stance. "I believe VAR never stops being a help, a second review is important, but the referee-VAR relationship is something to improve, though I maintain that VAR helps reduce errors," he explained. The match will be officiated by Italian referee Simone Sozza.

Read the full report at realbetisbalompie.es