Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Rangers rival Isco sets sights on Real Betis Europa League run to final

Isco has set his sights on a run to the Europa League final as Real Betis look to secure top spot in Group C with victory over Rangers.

The Spaniards have recovered from their defeat at Ibrox on matchday one to claim pole position in the standings heading into the final fixture.

Rangers head to the Estadio Benito Villamarín on the back foot after taking just a single point from their meetings with Aris Limassol in a rollercoaster campaign.

Victory for Sparta Prague over the Cypriots would leave Philippe Clement’s side requiring a win in Seville to avoid dropping into the Conference League this term.

But the focus is very different for Manuel Pellegrini and his squad as they seek to finish with a flourish and clinch a place in the last 16 as group winners.

Isco said: "In the end it is something that depends on everything. From my experience, perhaps I am a little more used to it. We have a good opportunity to be first in the groups. We will do everything possible to win.

"It would be very nice. We know it is very complicated. The team has the maximum ambition. We will try to get through in each round. It depends on how we play, it will mark our destiny for the Europa League.

“In the end, at Betis they have given me love and confidence. I feel at home from the first day. It is easier to work with this environment. It is a very good team, with very good players and I am very happy to be here.

"For me he (Pellegrini) is a very important coach in my career. He gave me the opportunity to play in the elite. It was not easy because I was in the 3rd division. We did well season with Málaga. Now I have been lucky enough to meet him again. I am enjoying football a lot again."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.