Porto are looking to bounce back from a matchday one defeat in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), but a trip to Spain to face Real Betis seems ill-timed given their rotten away record against Spanish sides in this competition.
Match News and Current Form
Real Betis got their UCL campaign off to the perfect start, although they did have to do things the hard way as they came from behind to beat Lille 3-2. Their last UCL main draw campaign in 2005/06 yielded just two wins in its entirety, so Manuel Pellegrini’s side have the chance to equal that tally in just their second game, and with just one defeat in their last 22 home games at the group stage/league phase of major European competition (W14, D7), history suggests they’re capable of doing just that. Some solid home form is only likely to bolster the feelgood factor too, as they’ve now won seven games in a row as hosts following Sunday’s 5-2 win over Osasuna.
There was no disgrace in a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on UCL matchday one for Porto, who have responded with three successive wins after their 2-1 victory over Marítimo on Friday night. Eight wins from eight so far in the Portuguese top flight have seen them build up a healthy cushion at the summit and indeed that City defeat is their only competitive reversal this season, though it is one which leaves them on the brink of suffering three successive main draw European defeats for the first time since October 2020. The Portuguese side will be keen to point out that they’ve won eight of their last 11 games in the UCL group stage/league phase (L3), and scoring 2+ goals in nine of those games underlines the attacking prowess they possess.
Head-to-Head History
Real Betis have never faced Portuguese opposition before in the UCL, while Porto have won just three of their 19 away games against Spanish sides in the European Cup/UCL (D3, L13).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Seven of Betis’ last eight competitive games produced at least ten corners.
Eleven of Betis’ last 14 home matches produced at least four yellow cards.
Porto conceded exactly once in seven of their last ten away games.
Porto have won five of their last seven Wednesday-held UCL matches (L2), winning each of the last three.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Betis’ Pablo Fornals created four chances in their matchday one win against Lille, picking up an assist along the way, but he hasn’t scored in Europe since May 2023. Porto’s Borja Sainz could make a late impact on this game having netted his last four goals after the hour mark, three of which closed the scoring.
Antony picked up a fresh injury for Betis on Sunday, while Porto’s Jan Bednarek is suspended.
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Betting Analysis
Backing a draw could prove to be the smartest approach here as both sides have positive omens working in their favour.
Author: Chris Wilson
