Real Betis arrives in Dortmund for a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, marking a return for key figures who experienced a controversial defeat at the same venue over a decade ago. The Spanish club enters the fixture following three consecutive victories in the competition against Lille, Porto, and Feyenoord.
Key Takeaways
- Undefeated streak: Real Betis has won all three of its Champions League matches this season.
- Historical connection: Manager Manuel Pellegrini, along with Isco and Joaquín, were part of the Malaga squad that faced Dortmund in 2013.
- The 2013 controversy: Malaga was eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals following a 3-2 defeat in Germany.
- Unprecedented match: There are no official prior meetings between Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.
- Dortmund’s pedigree: The 2013 Dortmund squad, led by Robert Lewandowski, reached the final that year.
A Return to the Scene of Defeat
The upcoming match represents a significant moment for Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, as well as players Isco and Joaquín. The trio was instrumental during their tenure at Malaga, a team that enjoyed a historic Champions League run in 2013. That campaign ended abruptly on April 9, 2013, at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
In that quarter-final matchup, Malaga and Dortmund played to a goalless draw in the first leg at La Rosaleda. The return leg in Germany resulted in a 3-2 loss for Malaga. Observers at the time characterized the elimination as unjust, noting the officiating and late-game circumstances. The Dortmund team, featuring Robert Lewandowski, subsequently defeated Real Madrid before ultimately falling to Bayern Munich in the final.
Real Betis enters this match with strong momentum, having secured victories against Lille, Porto, and Feyenoord. While there is no official history between the two clubs, the personal history of the Betis leadership and playing staff adds a layer of significance to the encounter.