Isco leads Betis after scoring against Feyenoord

Isco “improves everything he touches” is how his influence at Betis is being summed up. His goal secured a 1-0 win over Feyenoord, while his penalty put the club among the five teams to have won all three of their opening Champions League league-phase matches. Isco has converted 11 of the 12 penalties he has taken for Betis in official matches.

At Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, Isco is the midfield conductor. Hailed as the magician leading a Betis with European ambitions, he has played two matches in the competition at La Cartuja, against Porto and Feyenoord, and received two player-of-the-match awards. The dressing room and the supporters have both shown their admiration for him.

The midfielder was also given a standing ovation when he made way for Lo Celso.

Manuel Pellegrini praised his quality and value to the team: “Isco has extraordinary ability and remarkable ease on the ball. The injury he had was complicated and it was very difficult for him to perform. We managed his playing time; he is doing better and that is excellent news for the team. He gives us a lot, on and off the pitch. I am happy to see him improve every day.”

The player from Arroyo de la Miel has come through several injuries that affected his performances after joining Betis. His determination to recover has brought him back to the forefront and to a captain’s role. Fran García, who spent time with Isco at Real Madrid, said: “For me, Isco is a role model. I was lucky enough to be with him at Real Madrid, and it is very important that he still has the same ambition.” Dani Ceballos called him “the best player I have ever seen play”, while Natan praised a player who is “spectacular, both on and off the pitch”.

Pellegrini shares playing time among his squad to keep everyone involved, but Isco remains a leading figure in the team and an idol for Betis supporters. Marca notes that Betis is progressing in the Champions League, sits fourth in LaLiga after a start it describes as historic, and still has its Copa del Rey debut to come.