Manuel Pellegrini has sprung a surprise with his Real Betis Balompié lineup for the Champions League group stage match against FC Porto, naming Ángel Ortiz and Nelson Deossa as starters. The game kicks off at 20:00 on Wednesday at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.
The Chilean manager explained his selection. "He has introduced several substantial changes. The big news is Ángel Ortiz starting," Pellegrini said in his pre-match comments. The youth academy product makes his first start in Europe's elite competition, while Deossa adds energy to the midfield.
The Verdiblancos, sitting third in La Liga with 19 points, aim to strengthen their position in the group after starting their Champions League campaign with a win against Lille. The Sevillian side arrives in good form with four wins and a draw in their last five outings across all competitions, including a 5-2 victory over Osasuna last weekend.
Álvaro Valles retains his place in goal. The defence consists of Marc Bartra, Natan and Fran García. In midfield, Marc Roca and Isco Alarcón are joined by the newcomer Deossa. The attacking trio is completed by Antony, Ez Abde and Irish striker Troy Parrott.
The Betis bench has strong options like Héctor Bellerín, Diego Llorente, Pablo Fornals, Cucho Hernández and Giovani Lo Celso. Meanwhile, Francesco Farioli's Porto arrive without the suspended defender Jan Bednarek and the absent William Gomes. Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa starts, with André Silva leading the line.
The match serves as a key test ahead of next weekend's domestic classic, where Betis will host league leaders Barcelona. A win against Porto would be a decisive step in the race for the knockout stages.
Read the full report at es.uefa.com
