Isco’s Late Penalty Seals Real Betis Comeback Win Over Porto
Real Betis produced a stirring late recovery to beat Porto 3-2, recording only the club’s second Champions League victory at home and their first in the competition for 21 years. Isco, the Betis captain, converted an 83rd-minute penalty to decide an eventful night in front of 67,000 supporters and preserve a perfect opening to the league phase.
Abde Ezzalzouli put the Spanish side ahead, but Porto overturned the score in a frantic second half. Gabri Veiga and Samu Aghehowa struck within seven minutes of one another to give the visitors control, only for substitute Cucho Hernandez to bring Betis back level before Isco sealed the comeback from the spot.
Isco said the occasion carried particular significance for a club returning to Europe’s leading competition. “We got the three points we wanted in the end,” he said. “The atmosphere was spectacular. After 21 years, we have given the three points to the fans.”
The midfielder felt Betis had earned their result despite the changes in momentum. “It was a very competitive game with many turns, and overall I think we deserved to win. We are very happy, but we want more.”
He also pointed to the distinctive pull of Champions League football, citing the anthem, the stadium atmosphere and the chance to face Europe’s strongest teams.
Betis hold their nerve after Porto response
Manuel Pellegrini praised his players for sticking with their approach after Porto’s two-goal spell threatened to derail the evening. The Betis coach said the crucial element was the side’s belief in how they had been playing, as they continued to create opportunities and found the two goals needed to turn the match back in their favour.
Pellegrini underlined the historical scale of the result, noting that this is only Betis’ second Champions League campaign in the club’s 120-year history. More than two decades had passed since their previous home match in the competition, he said, adding that many supporters in the stadium had not been born when it happened.
Porto head coach Francesco Farioli accepted that his side had been punished by the individual ability in the Betis team. He said opponents with that level of talent can take their chances if they are not closely controlled throughout the match.
Two wins from two leave Betis well placed in the race for a knockout-stage place. Pellegrini’s team will next host Feyenoord on Wednesday, October 21, while Porto return to Portugal to face PSV Eindhoven a day earlier, on Tuesday, October 20.
