Real Betis faces tough Champions League draw

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed confidence ahead of the club's return to the UEFA Champions League after a 20-year absence. Following the group stage draw, the team faces a challenging schedule against several European powerhouses.

Betis is set to compete against Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto, LOSC Lille, Feyenoord, Como 1907, and Slovan Bratislava. Pellegrini noted that the difficulty of the draw was expected, stating, “All are difficult teams, of a very high level. We have to try to measure up in this championship.”

A notable subplot in the tournament will be Pellegrini’s reunion with his former Manchester City player, Yaya Toure, who is now managing Slovan Bratislava. Pellegrini joked about the matchup, wishing Toure luck with the exception of the match against Betis.