Real Betis Balompié begin their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign on Wednesday with the visit of FC Porto to the Benito Villamarín. Manuel Pellegrini's side arrives in fine form, having thrashed Osasuna 5-2 last weekend to sit third in the La Liga table with 19 points.
The Chilean coach has some selection doubts for this continental clash. Full-back Héctor Bellerín, who provided an assist in the last match, is a doubt with muscular discomfort and his availability is touch-and-go, the club has explained. Youngster Aitor Ruibal could step in. In midfield, William Carvalho is definitely out through suspension, opening the door for Johnny Cardoso or Rodri Sánchez to start.
Pellegrini has stressed the importance of starting well at home. "It's a key match to lay the foundations in the group," the manager said in a press conference. Confidence in the dressing room is high after a five-match unbeaten run, comprising four wins and a draw. This good form is reflected in the standings, where Betis has the third-best attack in the competition with 14 goals scored.
Attacker Isco, who scored a brace against Osasuna, will be one of the key offensive pieces. Alongside him, Cucho Hernández, scorer in the draw against Deportivo, and young Ez Abde are expected to complete the frontline. The experienced Claudio Bravo will continue in goal.
Ahead of this European commitment, the team is already looking to next Sunday, when they host leaders Barcelona in a high-voltage La Liga clash. The full squad and potential lineups for all matches can be checked on the squad page. The match against Porto will kick off at 21:00 and will be broadcast on free-to-air television.
