Real Betis Balompié made history by coming from behind to beat FC Porto 3-2 at La Cartuja, securing their first Champions League win in 21 years. Manuel Pellegrini's side, who sit third in La Liga with 19 points, showed tremendous spirit to overturn a deficit on a thrilling night.
Abde Ezzalzouli opened the scoring in the 47th minute, but Porto turned the game around with goals from Gabri Veiga and Samuel Aghehowa. The response came from Cucho Hernández, who equalised in the 74th minute after a pass from Antony, and Isco, who converted a decisive penalty six minutes from time. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa could not keep out the midfielder's spot-kick.
The verdiblanco supporters experienced the night with overwhelming emotion. One fan with tears in his eyes said: "Glorious, glorious, impressive, what a great joy". Another supporter added: "Thank goodness, we suffered a little, but we scored the third.".
This victory leaves Betis with a perfect record after their first two matches in the Champions League league phase. The team now faces a high-voltage clash at the Benito Villamarín against leaders Barcelona on 17 October.
The squad, which approaches this match with J. Firpo, I. Losada and A. Ruibal sidelined, demonstrated an attacking solidity they had already shown in the 5-2 thrashing of Osasuna last weekend.
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Following the epic comeback against Porto, Betis player Antony reported that his home was burgled during the match. The footballer, who provided the assist for Cucho Hernández's 2-2 equaliser: "A night that had everything to be brilliant ended in indignation and frustration". The club, which is third in La Liga with 19 points, now prepares for the clash against leaders Barcelona.
