Champions League Preview: Lille vs. Real Betis | OneFootball

LOSC Lille hosts Real Betis this Tuesday, Sept. 8, on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

The French side is coming off a 1-0 victory over Toulouse in its most recent Ligue 1 match. The Spanish side did the same, pulling off a surprise 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in its most recent La Liga match.

Below is the key information you need to know ahead of this match.

Preview: LOSC Lille vs. Real Betis

Kickoff: 3:00 pm ET / 12:00 pm PT @ Stade Pierre-Mauroy, FranceHow to watch live: Streaming on Paramount+, ViX

LOSC Lille, managed by Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, comes into its first Champions League tie in good form, having yet to lose a league game in its first three matches.

In addition to defeating Toulouse 1-0 and Angers 2-0, they secured a valuable 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 2 of the French championship on Aug. 28. Hakon Haraldsson scored Lille’s goals in the 21st minute and Dilane Bakwa in the 84th minute. The French side currently sits fourth in the Ligue 1 table with seven points after three matches played.

For its part, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis is also enjoying a good run of form domestically. Although they sit fourth in the league standings after four matches, they have the same nine points as Real Madrid, who sit one place above them in third. Both are just one point behind Deportivo Alavés, in second with 10 points. The La Liga leader is Hansi Flick’s Barcelona who are perfect four for four and the maximum 12 points.

As mentioned above, Real Betis is coming off a victory over José Mourinho’s team in the most recent La Liga match, with new signing Troy Parrott scoring a clutch goal in the 81st minute. Although both sides recorded the same number of shots on target, six, it was the Betis side that was more efficient in front of goal.

Real Betis recorded two 1-0 victories over Valencia and Real Sociedad, respectively, to open their campaign in the Spanish top flight, before suffering a matchday 3 stumble against Levante, falling 5-2.

Players to Watch & Match Prediction

One of Lille’s strengths is in goal. The 26-year-old Turkish goalkeeper, Berke Özer, currently averages 4.33 saves per 90 minutes, having already made 13 saves in total and conceded just two goals in his first three Ligue 1 matches of the season.

Olivier Giroud, with two assists and one goal, and Hákon Haraldsson, with one goal, are key pieces of Ancelotti’s attack. Dilane Bakwa, on loan from Nottingham Forest, has also scored for Les Douges.

A new face to watch out for is Japanese international Ayase Ueda. Signed from Feyenoord for over $17M, one day before the transfer window closed, he could make his first appearance for Lille in this fixture.

Interestingly, Real Betis’s goalkeeper also stands out statistically. The 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, Álvaro Valles, has recorded 16 saves in his first four La Liga matches, with a 76.2% save percentage, which translates to four saves per 90 minutes. He has conceded five goals in total.

Among Betis’ other standout players, we of course have to mention former Real Madrid player Isco, 26-year-old Brazilian Antony, 30-year-old winger Pablo Fornals, and 27-year-old Colombian Juan Hernández. All four were significant contributors during their storied Europa League run last season, as well as their historic and highest ever 5th place finish in La Liga (which earned them their Champions League berth).

Match Prediction: Lille 1-2 Real Betis