"We feel capable of being able to take the three points," Manuel Pellegrini said before Real Betis host FC Porto in the Champions League on 2026-10-14 at 19:00 UTC. He also confirmed Antony is fit and available, which gives Betis a clean run into a match that feels bigger than a normal group game. This is Real Betis vs FC Porto, and it comes with some baggage. Betis have only played the Champions League once in more than 120 years.

Pellegrini's message before Porto

Pellegrini's line is clear enough without dressing it up. He wants Betis to treat the occasion as a test of personality, intensity and ambition, not a night to admire the stage from a distance.

The case is helped by the form around them. Betis have been unbeaten in four of their last five matches, including the 5-2 win over Osasuna, and they sit third in La Liga with 19 points from 8 games. Porto arrive as domestic leaders, with 24 points from 8 matches in the Primeira Liga, and Pellegrini called them a very complicated opponent.

He also pointed to the crowd. According to Pellegrini, 64,000 people supported Betis on Monday, a reminder that the atmosphere around this return is not ordinary even by European standards.

Antony is back in the squad

The other immediate boost is Antony. Pellegrini said the winger is fit and will be on the call-up list, after earlier describing the issue as a small muscle discomfort and not the ankle.

That matters because Antony has already become part of the picture at Betis. He has made 8 La Liga appearances this season, and his 7.01 rating suggests he has settled quickly enough to be missed when there is any doubt over his availability.

Pellegrini was careful not to say more than that. Antony is available, not guaranteed to start, and Betis will make the call on the night. The bigger point is that a useful option is back in the mix for a home game that arrives at a sharp moment in the season.

The Champions League standings can change quickly here, and Betis know exactly what kind of opponent they are facing. Porto are top in Portugal and have won 4 of their last 5, so this is a real early test for Pellegrini's side, not just a celebratory return to the competition.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →