Pellegrini returns to Dortmund after Malaga defeat

Betis Sevilla travels to Dortmund for a Champions League group match, where they meet Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday at the Signal Iduna Park.

The 73‑year‑old Manuel Pellegrini thus returns to the site of his bitterest defeat, which he experienced on 9 April 2013.

Back then, after a 0‑0 first leg, he had to fend off Malaga, who were leading 2‑1 in injury time.

Thanks to Marco Reus and Felipe Santana’s 93rd‑minute goal, Dortmund progressed.

Pellegrini was also at his father’s funeral in Chile a day before the match.

He lamented after the game: “They didn’t want us in the semi‑final.”

Santana’s winning goal was controversial because it came from an offside‑suspect position.

Agency described the defeat as the worst of his long coaching career.

It came in an unbelievable manner.

At that time it was especially burdensome for Pellegrini.

Pellegrini’s Career and Current Role

Since 2020, Pellegrini, a former defender, has been on the sidelines of Sevilla – his longest tenure to date.

Previously he coached River Plate, Real Madrid and West Ham and won three trophies with Manchester City.

Betis’s attack, led by captain Isco and the Moroccan Abde Ezzalzouli, regularly excites.

In La Liga the Andalusians occupy fourth place behind Barcelona, Atletico and Real.

In the Champions League Betis remains unbeaten and showed character in victories over Lille and Porto, each with a 3‑2 scoreline.

Pellegrini hopes his team experiences a turnaround in Dortmund without reopening old wounds.

The match will be broadcast live by SRF, the pre‑match coverage starts at … and the highlight programme follows thereafter.