Real Betis Come from Behind to Win 3-2 Against Porto

Real Betis claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Porto in Seville, coming from behind and extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches (W6, D1). The Spanish side, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, achieved consecutive opening wins in European group stage competition for just the second time in their history, while Porto’s winless start continues.

SOMOS EL 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐄́.

From the source #EuroBetis https://t.co/wL2DwEYxng

The hosts began brightly, with Marc Roca missing an excellent opportunity just two minutes in, dragging his attempt into the side netting after being left unmarked in the box. At the opposite end, Betis had a warning sign when Andre Silva headed against the crossbar following a defensive lapse, but overall, Betis assumed control of the early proceedings.

Antony provided Angel Ortiz with a gilt-edged chance, drawing a strong save from Diogo Costa, before Abde Ezzalzouli failed to convert a pair of decent opportunities. Nelson Deossa nearly produced a spectacular opener for Betis, his powerful 20-yard drive skimming past the upright, and Roca forced an easy save from Costa shortly after.

Against the run of play, Porto thought they had seized the lead courtesy of Martim Fernandes’ powerful left-footed strike that crashed off the bar and in. However, the goal was chalked off after VAR adjudged a handball in the build-up, a controversial turning point that kept the sides level at the interval.

The breakthrough for Betis arrived soon after half-time. Abde Ezzalzouli broke the deadlock with a sublime finish, curling a right-footed effort into the far top corner from the left side of the penalty area.

This sparked a response from Porto, who equalised before the hour mark. Gabri Veiga’s 25-yard free-kick marked the visitors’ first shot on target, though Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles will have been disappointed as the ball squirmed through his grasp.

Samu, introduced off the bench, wasted no time adding to Porto’s tally, rifling a 16-yard strike beyond Valles to give the Portuguese side a 2-1 advantage.

Pellegrini’s substitutions soon made an impact. Cucho Hernandez found the net after latching onto a pass from Antony, restoring parity at 2-2. Buoyed by the equaliser, Betis piled on the pressure and were handed a penalty after VAR determined Francisco Moura had tripped Ortiz in the box. Captain Isco converted from the spot, calmly dispatching the penalty into the bottom left corner and sending Costa the wrong way.

Porto pressed for a late leveler but were denied by a superb fingertip save from Valles, who turned away Santiago Gimenez’s effort deep into added time. Ultimately, Betis’ remarkable comeback was enough to secure maximum points and leave Porto searching for their first victory of the group stage.