Barcelona, beware! Isco-inspired Real Betis look like genuine contenders under perennially underrated Manuel Pellegrini
The 73-year-old tactician’s mind seems sharper than ever, with Betis now a team that builds patiently from the back to bait the opposition press, before exploiting any gaps with ruthless efficiency. Isco has led by example as captain and been the creative heartbeat of the side, registering more high impact offensive actions per game in La Liga (4.68) than any other Betis player.
He was especially influential in Saturday’s 5-2 rout of Osasuna, bagging a brace and dictating most of Betis’ best attacking moves. In his 74 minutes on the pitch, Isco didn’t lose possession once as the Osasuna defence toiled in vein to pin him down.
The former Real Madrid playmaker has also been decisive in the Champions League. He laid on a vital assist in the win at Lille and scored the all-important third goal against Porto on Wednesday, coolly converting an 84th-minute penalty to send the Verdiblanco fans packed into the 70,000 capacity Estadio de la Cartuja (Betis’ temporary home while the Estadio Benito Villamarín is being renovated) into raptures.
It was goal that Isco’s all-action performance deserved, and he scooped the Player of the Match prize after recording four key passes, 30 ball carries and five recoveries.
Few could have predicted the 34-year-old getting back to such a high level after fracturing his fibula in both 2024 and 2025, while he also suffered a serious ankle injury last term, and was restricted to just eight La Liga appearances overall. Now, though, Isco seems to be in top physical condition again after a good pre-season.
Betis’ social team welcomed Isco to the club on a free transfer in 2023 by recreating the famous ‘resurrection’ scene of Jon Snow from ‘Game of Thrones’, which now feels prophetic. Coming through such a testing period has only strengthened Isco’s resolve, as he added to Sport: “What I’ve learned is to value each day, to enjoy every training session, every minute I’m on the pitch. Being injured for a long time gives you the perspective that football moves so fast that you don’t stop to enjoy the little moments, the small details that ultimately make me happy.”
Talk of a return to the Spain national team is growing with each passing game, which Isco admits is one of his main aims: “There’s a very young team with a lot of talent, and it’s difficult, especially because I’m getting on in years. But I’m going to try to perform at my best for Betis, and hopefully I can go back; I’m not hiding anything.”
