Betis face a difficult test in Dortmund after a perfect Champions League start

Betis have earned the right to be ambitious

The Spanish club beat Lille 3-2 away, defeated Porto by the same score at home and then edged Feyenoord 1-0. Those wins required different solutions, from open attacking football to protecting a narrow advantage.

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy has scored four goals in the opening three rounds. Betis must block the early pass into him without pulling both centre-backs out of position, because the home side can attack the space created around their striker.

Antony has already troubled Dortmund

Antony recorded one goal and two assists against Dortmund for Ajax in the 2021/22 Champions League. His ability to carry the ball inside can help Betis escape pressure, especially when Isco or Pablo Fornals offers a short passing option.

Betis are without Cucho Hernandez, Junior Firpo and Alvaro Fidalgo. Those absences reduce Manuel Pellegrini’s choices, so the visitors cannot waste energy by clearing the ball without direction. A rushed clearance would invite Dortmund, not Betis, to begin another attack.

Betis must protect the centre and both wings

Dortmund can create width through their full-backs and then bring runners into the space beside Guirassy. Betis need a compact midfield that can shift towards the ball without leaving the opposite half-space completely open.

The visitors should not defend in one flat line. If the midfield becomes too narrow, Dortmund can overload the outside channel; if it spreads too far, Guirassy and the attacking midfielders can combine through the centre.

Substitutes may decide the final half-hour

A high-tempo first half would increase the value of fresh players after the break. Dortmund can use substitutions to maintain pressure, while Betis may prefer a technical change that helps them retain possession rather than face another wave.

A level score after an hour still gives Betis a useful position. Dortmund’s home setting will push them towards greater risk, and the visitors can exploit the space only if their first pass after recovery is calm and accurate.