LOSC Lille vs Real Betis

Lille host Real Betis on matchday one of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, a landmark night for the visitors, who return to Europe's top table for only the second time in their history after a 20-year absence. Lille qualified off a strong Ligue 1 campaign and sit third early this season, while Real Betis, fourth in La Liga after two rounds, sealed their spot with a fifth-place finish under Manuel Pellegrini. Both sides arrive in good form. Lille opened with a 2-0 win at Angers before a thrilling 2-2 draw with PSG, in which Hákon Arnar Haraldsson and Dilane Bakwa scored before Marquinhos snatched a late leveler. Real Betis have won their first two La Liga games without conceding, with Antony in fine form and Isco back to full fitness after an injury-hit year. The two clubs have almost no history together, having met just once before, in a 2018 friendly. Our prediction: 2-1