Former Real Madrid star eyes unique Champions League achievement: “He still has so much soccer, and magic, and titles to win”
After an injury-hit season and retirement fears, the Betis captain is set for another Champions League chapter.
Nearly 16 years after making his debut, Isco Alarcón is returning to the Champions League. The five-time winner of Europe’s top club competition was in tears on the pitch at La Cartuja, perhaps more emotional than after any of those five titles. And it was the most natural thing in the world, given that Isco has endured the most difficult season of his career in terms of injuries, with even the shadow of retirement hanging over the minds of all Betis fans as his problems seemed never-ending.
Isco’s Champions League record with Spanish clubs
However, the Champions League is the greatest incentive for Isco, who has just turned 34, to take on a new season full of excitement. In fact, he will set a record by becoming the first player to play in the Champions League with five different Spanish clubs.
His debut came almost 16 years ago, on November 24, 2010, when he played 19 minutes in the group-stage game in which Valencia thrashed Turkey’s Bursaspor 6-1. From there he moved to Málaga, with whom he played eight games, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Then came Real Madrid, where he made history by winning five titles in the 62 games he played.
Isco’s last Champions League appearance came with Betis’ eternal rival, Sevilla. He spent only half a year in Nervión, but that was enough for him to play in all six group-stage games of a Champions League campaign in which Sevilla finished third thanks to one of his goals. That gave them the right to drop into the Europa League and, as usual, win it.
Retirement fears fade as Betis dream again
Now, the ghosts of Isco’s retirement have been chased away by the Champions League. “Of course he’s not going to retire. He still has so much soccer, and magic, and titles to win,” Sara Sálamo, his partner, replied on social media to a Betis fan.
The Betis supporters hope to continue enjoying their captain – this time with the ball of the stars.
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