Real Betis Balompié returned to the Champions League with an emphatic victory, defeating Lille 2-3 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in France. This result marks the Spanish club's return to the top European competition after twenty-one years of absence. The match took place on 8 September 2026.
The Betis side was led by Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini, who guided the team in this important match marking the return to the European stage. The Betis players demonstrated authority and quality throughout the encounter, securing a positive result away from home.
The city of Lille was taken over by the green-and-white supporters, with around 800 Betis fans present at the stadium to cheer on their team. The atmosphere was described as favorable to the Spanish side, with the trip to French territory resulting in a memorable moment for the supporters.
The club expressed its intention to prove that its return to the Champions League is not merely nostalgic, but rather a reflection of a competitive level that allows it to compete on equal terms with the best clubs in Europe.
