Magic Isco! Betis secure thrilling comeback win over Porto
Captain Isco fired Real Betis to a 3-2 victory over Porto, securing the club's first Champions League home win in 21 years.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Anual
Real Betis claimed their first Champions League home victory in 21 years with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Porto. Captain Isco scored the decisive penalty in the 83rd minute, maintaining his team's perfect start in the competition.
Abde Ezzalzouli opened the scoring, but Porto responded with quick goals from Gabri Veiga and Samu Aghehowa. Betis remained composed, with substitute Cucho Hernandez equalizing before Isco completed the turnaround to delight 67,000 supporters at the Benito Villamarin.
In the end it was three points as we wanted. The atmosphere was spectacular, after 21 years, we’ve got the three points for the fans. Isco
Manager Manuel Pellegrini praised his squad’s composure after conceding twice in seven minutes. He noted that the team’s trust in their playing style was crucial to overcoming the chaotic second-half surge from the visitors. Pellegrini highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion, given that this is only the second time in 120 years that the club has featured in the Champions League.
With two wins from two, Betis are well-positioned to advance to the knockout stages. The Spanish side will next host Feyenoord on October 21, while Porto look to recover when they host PSV Eindhoven on October 20.