Real Betis manager Pellegrini backs Abde Ezzalzouli to improve further after stunning Porto strike

Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has praised Morocco international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli for his growing maturity and potential after the winger scored a spectacular goal in his side’s 3-2 victory over FC Porto in the Champions League.

Ezzalzouli opened the scoring shortly after half-time with a curling right-footed effort in the 47th minute, giving Betis the lead and scoring his first goal of this season’s Champions League campaign.

“He himself wants to improve, he has gained maturity and he still has a lot to contribute,” Pellegrini said after Wednesday’s match, according to Mountakhab.net, which cited Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo.

Ezzalzouli makes his mark against Porto

The Moroccan winger’s goal was one of the standout moments of the contest as Betis took an early second-half advantage against their Portuguese opponents.

However, Porto responded strongly, with Gabri Veiga equalising in the 54th minute before Samu Aghehowa put the visitors ahead seven minutes later.

Betis fought back through Cucho Hernandez, who restored parity in the 74th minute, before Isco converted a penalty six minutes from the final whistle to seal the victory.

The result gave Betis six points from their opening two matches in the competition.

Moroccan winger continues impressive run

Ezzalzouli’s performance against Porto followed another productive display in LaLiga, where he scored in Betis’ 5-2 victory over Osasuna on 11 October.

His recent contributions have come after a period in which he struggled to secure consistent playing time because of a knee injury.

In September, Pellegrini praised the Moroccan’s return to action and highlighted his ability to make a difference for the team.

Pellegrini sees room for further improvement

Ezzalzouli’s latest performances have offered further evidence of his attacking contribution to Betis, with the winger making an impact in both domestic and European competition.

Pellegrini’s latest comments underline his belief that the Moroccan has continued to develop but still has more to offer.

The challenge for Ezzalzouli will now be to maintain his current level of performance as he seeks to build on his Champions League strike and his recent contribution in LaLiga.