Real Betis will look to maintain their 100% winning start to this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) when they host a Feyenoord side looking to avoid making unwanted history here.
Match News and Current Form
After producing a late comeback to defeat Porto in UCL action last week, Betis were brought back down to earth with a bang by Barcelona over the weekend (L 5-2). Their fortunes have been much better in Europe’s premier club competition though, having won their opening two league phase games, impressively coming from behind to win on both occasions. That’s already as many wins as they managed in their only prior UCL campaign back in 2005/06 (W2, D1, L3), so another win would not only see them enter uncharted territory in this competition, but also see Manuel Pellegrini pick up a 30th managerial win in the UCL, winning 29 of his 68 matches prior.
Just like their hosts, visiting Feyenoord also ran out 3-2 winners during this season’s second UCL matchday, claiming a priceless three points against Como after suffering a 5-1 defeat in their opener to Barcelona. Memories of that visit to Spain are likely to weigh heavy for the Dutch side, who slumped to a seventh successive European away loss against Barcelona, equalling an unwanted club record set back in 2014. Another reversal here would see this current Feyenoord crop set a new record outright, but they can at least cling to the fact that since the start of 2019, Dutch sides have won five of their seven away games against Spanish sides in the UCL proper (L2).
Head-to-Head History
Betis beat Feyenoord 2-1 in last season’s UEFA Europa League, one of four victories Betis have picked up in six historical meetings with Dutch opposition (D1, L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Betis’ last seven matches saw both teams score.
Betis’ last six home games produced at least four yellow cards.
Nine of Feyenoord's last ten competitive games produced over 3.5 goals.
Feyenoord’s last eight UCL away matches saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Troy Parrott has scored three goals across five prior H2Hs and has opened the scoring on four of his five scoring appearances for club or country this season. Feyenoord’s Sem Steijn struck a brace over the weekend, with seven of his last nine goals arriving between the 30th and 60th minutes.
Betis remain without Junior Firpo, while Feyenoord hope to see Jakub Moder return.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With the goals flowing in both sides’ recent matches, backing both teams to score and over 3.5 goals could make sense.
Author: Nathan Evans