Morocco international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli scored a spectacular goal as Real Betis came from behind to beat FC Porto 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 14.
The 24-year-old winger broke the deadlock immediately after halftime at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja, producing a curling finish from a difficult angle that left Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa with little chance.
Betis subsequently fell behind before recovering through Cucho Hernández and Isco to secure their second victory in two Champions League matches this season.
Ezzalzouli opens scoring with superb finish
After a goalless first half, Ezzalzouli gave Betis the lead in the 46th minute.
The Moroccan found the net with an outstanding strike from a tight angle, sending the ball beyond Costa to put Manuel Pellegrini’s side ahead.
Porto responded seven minutes later when Gabri Veiga scored directly from a free kick. Samu Aghehowa then struck in the 60th minute, turning the match in the visitors’ favour.
Betis equalised in the 74th minute through Cucho Hernández, who finished a move created by Antony.
The decisive goal came in the 84th minute when Isco converted a penalty to complete the comeback.
The 3-2 result gave Betis six points from their opening two Champions League fixtures, following a 3-2 away victory over Lille in September.
Ezzalzouli continues scoring run for club and country
Wednesday’s goal continued a productive period for Ezzalzouli, who has scored three times across club and international football since October 4.
The winger converted a penalty for Morocco in the Atlas Lions’ 1-1 friendly draw against Mali in Tangier before scoring again in Betis’ 5-2 La Liga victory over Osasuna on October 11.
His latest contribution came on a bigger European stage, providing an important attacking moment in Betis’ second Champions League fixture.
The run follows a period of recovery from a knee injury that disrupted his preparations earlier this season. Ezzalzouli’s return to competitive football had been managed cautiously by Betis before he resumed regular involvement.
For Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the winger’s recent goals provide another positive indication of his attacking form ahead of the next international window.
Betis return to La Liga action against Barcelona on October 17 before hosting Feyenoord in the Champions League on October 21.
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