Real Betis Balompié is putting the finishing touches on its Champions League return with a final training session at the Pierre Mauroy stadium ahead of facing Lille. The Verdiblancos, sitting fourth in LaLiga with 9 points, completed a 15-minute session on Monday, September 7.
Manuel Pellegrini oversaw the last preparations before naming his starting eleven for the historic match. The Chilean manager confirmed physical condition will be decisive, stating, "vamos a ir viendo, tenemos 24 horas para ver al mejor equipo de inicio." This caution is understandable given the schedule, which includes a trip to face Villarreal on September 14, a fixture listed on our fixtures page.
Who will be available for the debut?
The injury list impacts Pellegrini's options. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Aitor Ruibal, and Diego Llorente, all currently on the injuries list, missed the session in France, along with Losada. Their absence forces adjustments in defence and attack. On a positive note, the midfield pairing of Isco and Dani Ceballos showed excellent rapport during the drills, an encouraging sign for the engine room.
Pellegrini also stressed the responsibility of players starting on the bench, reminding everyone must be ready. "Ya veremos con el cuerpo médico y físico lo que es mejor," the manager said regarding the final decisions. Goalkeeper Álvaro Valles, who attended the pre-match press conference, will be a key figure to contain the French attack.
What form does Betis bring into Europe?
The team enters the top continental competition with solid domestic league form. With a record of 5 goals scored and 5 conceded, Betis arrives in Lille on the back of a winning streak in LaLiga (WLWW) that places them just three points behind leaders Barcelona. This positive momentum is vital for tackling a Champions League group.
The last time the club played in this competition was 21 years ago, adding extra emotional weight to the match. Players like Isco, with experience at this level, will be important in guiding an eager squad. Their performance in the early season, which can be tracked in our stats section, suggests they have the necessary edge.
How did the squad prepare for the trip?
The Betis delegation travelled to Lille on Monday morning to acclimatise and hold the final training session, which was open to the media. The session, though brief, allowed for work on specific tactical aspects and confirmed the group's mood. The club captured the moment on social media with a post saying "¡Comienza el último entrenamiento en Lille!"
Confidence also comes from recent feats, like Troy's goal that secured an important win on the last league matchday. Maintaining that sharpness will be essential in a stadium like the Pierre Mauroy. The team knows a good result in France would set the tone for the entire group stage.
All focus is now solely on Lille. After the match, attention will shift back to LaLiga and the clash against Villarreal, who are currently 16th in the standings.
