Abde Ezzalzouli to lead Betis Seville into 2026-27 Champions League | OneFootball

Abde Ezzalzouli will spearhead Betis Seville’s return to the Champions League after 21 years. He joined in 2023 and is coming off the best season of his career, 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions despite erratic finishing, according to L'Équipe.

Until Isco rediscovers form, the threat is likely to come from the wings, with Antony on the right and Ezzalzouli on the left. The Morocco winger first caught the eye late in 2021 with a dozen outings under Xavi at Barcelona, and he now starts his fourth season in Seville.

He starred in the Conference League in 2024-25, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Fiorentina, 2-1 then 2-2 after extra time, and also in the final lost 1-4 to Chelsea. In last season’s Europa League he added four goals and three assists. Now 24, he will make his Champions League debut.

He should have played a second World Cup, but a knee injury in June friendlies ended that hope. Roma tried to sign the Atlas Lion, yet Betis held firm.

Manuel Pellegrini leads a squad featuring Alvaro Valles, Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Giovani Lo Celso and Dani Ceballos. The opening fixtures are Lille v Betis Seville on eight September, 21:00, Betis Seville v Porto on 14 October, 21:00, and Betis Seville v Feyenoord on 21 October, 21:00.

Source: L'Équipe

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