Manuel Pellegrini believes Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is continuing to develop and has much more to offer, following the Moroccan international’s impressive performance in Real Betis’ 3-2 Champions League victory over FC Porto on Wednesday.
- “He himself wants to improve, he has gained maturity and he still has a lot to contribute,”
Pellegrini said after the match, according to Mountakhab.net, which cited Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo.
The coach’s remarks reflected his confidence in the 24-year-old winger, who delivered a moment of individual quality to help Betis secure an important European victory.
A Moment of Brilliance Against Porto
Ezzalzouli opened the scoring in the 47th minute, shortly after the restart, with a curling right-footed effort that beat Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The strike showcased the Moroccan’s technical ability and attacking instinct, giving the Spanish side an early second-half advantage.
The goal was also his first of this season’s Champions League campaign, adding another milestone to his contribution as Betis returned to European football’s premier club competition.
Porto responded strongly, with Gabri Veiga equalizing in the 54th minute before Samu Aghehowa put the visitors ahead seven minutes later. Betis, however, refused to let the match slip away.
Cucho Hernández restored parity in the 74th minute, setting up a dramatic finish. Six minutes from the final whistle, Isco converted a penalty to complete the comeback and secure all three points for the home side.
The victory gave Betis six points from their opening two matches in the competition, providing an encouraging start to their European campaign.
Building Momentum After His Return
The performance against Porto followed another productive outing in LaLiga. On October 11, the Moroccan winger found the net in Betis’ 5-2 victory over Osasuna, continuing to demonstrate his ability to influence the team’s attacking play.
These displays are particularly encouraging after a period of uncertainty surrounding his fitness. Ezzalzouli experienced knee concerns in recent months, which affected his ability to maintain consistent playing time.
In September, Pellegrini had already welcomed the winger’s return to full training and highlighted the difference he could make when available. His latest comments suggest the coach is now seeing further progress in both his maturity and his overall contribution.
Pellegrini Expects Further Progress
For the Betis manager, Ezzalzouli’s development is about more than moments of individual brilliance. The winger’s willingness to improve, growing maturity and capacity to influence important matches are all encouraging signs as he continues to establish himself within the team.
At 24, he still has time to refine his decision-making, become more consistent and turn his attacking qualities into an even greater contribution across a full season.
His strike against Porto offered another reminder of the danger he can pose in the final third.
With his confidence growing and his fitness improving, the Moroccan international will be looking to build on this momentum in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
Pellegrini’s message is clear: Ezzalzouli has already shown what he can bring to Betis, but his development is far from complete.