Isco converted a late penalty to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for Real Betis against Porto, securing their first Champions League home win in over 20 years. The Betis captain and manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed a special European night in Seville after recovering from a second-half deficit.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase well under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Porto striker Samu Aghehowa has opened up about the emotional torment of missing Spain's World Cup campaign following a devastating knee injury. The 22-year-old forward faced a gruelling 223-day rehabilitation process after rupturing his cruciate ligament, leaving him psychologically unable to watch matches as La Roja pursued glory in North America.
Portuguese giants Porto have bolstered their defensive ranks with the high-profile acquisition of former Manchester United stalwart Chris Smalling. The veteran center-back arrives at the Estadio do Dragao on a free transfer, marking a return to European football after a stint in the Middle East.
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