According to Marca, Marc Bartra, one of Real Betis' first-team captains, attended the official pre-match press conference. Tomorrow, Real Betis will host Porto at the Estadio de La Cartuja in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Bartra spoke about ambition, confidence, and responsibility, while also emphasizing the need for caution in this match.

Speaking about the club's progress, he said: "We have been performing very well for many years, improving every year. As a team, many players have competed together over these years, and those who joined later have strengthened us, keeping us at a very high level. Now the team is playing very well, we know each other well, and we understand what the coach wants both with and without the ball. Personally, I feel very fulfilled right now. This is a good moment to enjoy, but the most important thing is to continue maintaining this high level."

On what he can bring to the Champions League, he said: "What I can bring is what I have been doing all these years: understanding what the coach asks of me, understanding what the team needs, serving the team defensively, and holding the defense firm and confidently. In such games, the emotional aspect is equally important; you must maintain fighting spirit and a good mindset, because in Europe, every detail is crucial. Sustained focus and leading the team from the back are fundamental to keeping the team in the right state."

Speaking about playing in the Champions League for Betis at home, he said: "Playing in the Champions League itself is a complete honor. I have been fortunate to play in this competition for Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, but being able to do it for Betis, especially after years of growth, gives me a strong sense of belonging and makes it even more special. Adding this to the level of responsibility that comes with playing in the Champions League is a joy for me. Experiencing all of this with such a sense of fulfillment now is wonderful."

On instilling confidence in young players, he said: "For young or less experienced players, the best example veterans can set is to do what is needed at every moment. This makes them feel more secure and more confident to perform, because these players are showing a high level, and they must continue in this form."

Speaking about the confidence gained after beating Lille, he said: "I remember experiencing a setback at Dortmund as well, but everyone stepped up then and didn't collapse. In the match against Lille, the team withstood the pressure, which gave us more confidence and showed that we are on the right track. This strength and unity of the team, along with hard work and a sense of belonging, are very important for moving forward."

On his feelings representing Betis in this competition, he said: "It's a great honor because we know where we came from. When I first joined the team, the club had been in the Segunda División for three or four years. Then we grew year by year, until the coach arrived. He instilled a winning mentality in the team and also kept everyone calm in difficult moments. We feel that the Champions League and the top of the league are where we want to be, but we must always remain grounded and not take anything lightly."

Speaking about Porto's dangerous players, he said: "Porto is a team accustomed to controlling the ball and attacking. They not only have good passing, but also many high-quality attacking players who can change the game. I don't want to single anyone out because their individual qualities are very strong overall, but from a collective standpoint, this match will require us to perform at our best both with and without the ball."

When asked if he would stay at Betis for more years, he said: "That question is better asked to the club, not me, because I am completely focused on the present, on playing well, and on serving the team. As for the rest, I leave it to God."

Speaking about what Pellegrini means to his career, he said: "I have been fortunate to work with some of the best coaches in the world, and the coach is one of them. He has helped me grow mentally and made me clearer about what I need to do on the field and how to convey that sense of security and leadership. He is the coach I have worked with the longest, and in his coaching career, I am one of the players he trusts the most, which makes me very proud and grateful."

On avoiding overconfidence, he said: "Every experience in European competitions brings learning and growth. Whenever we encounter difficulties, we respond with great maturity, uniting more as a team. I am very confident about this because we know how to stay strong as a whole in difficult situations."

Speaking about what Pellegrini conveys to the team, he said: "He does not just speak; he leads by example. We follow him because of the way he has consistently operated in top football for years. He brings crucial calm to the team, preventing us from getting carried away when we win and from falling into a slump when we lose, always keeping us focused on the present."

On playing in the Champions League at home and Aitor Ruibal's condition, he said: "Playing at home in European competitions is very important because of the support and encouragement from the fans. As for Aitor, he seems to be in good shape. Tomorrow we will see what level he can reach, or whether he will play; that will be up to the coach."

Speaking about his memory of Betis' last Champions League campaign, he said: "I was only 14 when Betis last played in the Champions League, and I remember it very clearly because I have always loved football. For many children and fans, this will be the first time they see Betis play in the Champions League; it's an honor, and we will try to give them as much joy as possible."

On his recent discomfort, he said: "I had some discomfort, so I stopped early to avoid aggravating it. Now I feel very good, able to ensure my participation, be ready at any moment, and play a good match."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com