Real Betis edges Lille 3-2 in UEFA Champions League clash

Real Betis hadn’t played in the UEFA Champions League since George W. Bush was in his second term. On September 8, 2026, they made sure their return was worth the wait, storming back from a halftime deficit to beat Lille 3-2 at the Decathlon Arena in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France. The victory marks Betis’ first Champions League win in over two decades, their last campaign dating back to the 2005/06 season. For Lille, it was a frustrating way to open their fourth consecutive season of European football. A first half that had everything except control Lille came out sharp. Ayase Ueda opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the home side early momentum in front of their fans. Betis responded through Marc Bartra, who pulled the Spanish club level in the 33rd minute. Alexsandro Ribeiro restored Lille’s lead in the 36th minute, sending the teams into the break with the French side up 2-1. Betis flips the script after the interval Bartra struck again in the 49th minute, leveling the score at 2-2 and completing his brace. Four minutes later, Troy Parrott put Betis ahead for the first time in the match. The Irish forward’s 53rd-minute goal capped a devastating eight-minute stretch that co...