Real Betis produced an impressive comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Porto, maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League campaign while celebrating a historic European success on home soil.
The Spanish club registered their second consecutive victory in the competition, achieving their first Champions League triumph at their own stadium since defeating Chelsea in November 2005.
Betis controlled much of the opening period, creating several promising opportunities. However, Porto nearly entered the interval ahead when Martim Fernandes found the net from close range. The effort was eventually disallowed following a VAR review that identified an earlier handball involving Borja Sainz.
The contest became increasingly entertaining immediately after the restart. Abde Ezzalzouli opened the scoring just 80 seconds into the second period with a magnificent curling finish from outside the box.
Antony almost extended the advantage shortly afterwards, but his attempt struck the woodwork.
Porto responded brilliantly through Gabri Veiga, whose outstanding free kick from approximately 25 yards restored parity seven minutes later.
The Portuguese visitors then seized control when Samu Aghehowa, introduced during the interval, collected Pepe’s clever backheel before powering his finish beyond Alvaro Valles and into the roof of the net.
Despite surrendering their advantage, Betis refused to accept defeat.
Substitute Cucho Hernandez delivered a crucial equaliser, finishing Antony’s accurate delivery just 12 minutes after entering the contest in place of Troy Parrott.
The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when officials awarded Betis a penalty following a VAR examination of a foul on Angel Ortiz.
Captain Isco confidently dispatched the resulting spot kick into the bottom corner, completing a remarkable turnaround.
The result strengthened Betis’ European ambitions and marked only their second home victory in Champions League history, ending a remarkable wait of more than two decades.
