Calvin Verdonk Was Not Fielded, Lille Failed to Maintain Their Lead Over Real Betis

Calvin Verdonk could only watch Lille's campaign from the substitutes' bench as his side faced Real Betis in the UEFA Champions League. The Indonesian national team defender was not fielded by head coach Davide Ancelotti for the match held at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, early Wednesday morning WIB.

Even without Verdonk on the pitch, Lille managed to take the lead twice over the course of the match. However, they were unable to hold onto this advantage until the final whistle.

Real Betis mounted a comeback to turn the game around and secure a 3-2 victory. Marc Bartra emerged as one of the Spanish side's key performers, netting a brace, while Troy Parrott contributed the remaining goal.

This result moves Betis into 3rd place in the temporary Champions League group stage standings with 3 points from one match played. Lille meanwhile sits in 32nd position with zero points.

Lille Take The Lead, Bartra Responds

Lille started the match on the front foot. Playing in front of their home supporters, they looked to take control of proceedings right from kick-off.

The home side's pressure paid off in the 12th minute. Ayase Ueda converted a cross from Ethan Mbappé to open the scoring.

With the score at 1-0, Lille found themselves in a promising position to claim victory in their opening fixture of the competition.

Betis did not take long to respond however. In the 33rd minute, Pablo Fornals delivered a cross which was met with a headed finish from Marc Bartra.

The ball found the back of Lille's net, bringing the scoreline level at 1-1.

Lille regained their momentum just three minutes later. From a Gaëtan Perrin corner kick, Alexsandro won an aerial duel before directing his header past the Betis goalkeeper.

Lille restored their lead to 2-1 in the 36th minute.

As half-time approached, Betis pushed for an equaliser, though Troy Parrott was unable to hit the target with his effort.

Lille headed into the half-time break holding a 2-1 advantage.

Betis Complete Comeback Inside Eight Minutes

The momentum of the match shifted rapidly once the second half got underway.

Betis immediately pushed forward and found their equaliser in the 49th minute. Marc Bartra converted an Isco free kick to score his second goal of the night, levelling the score once more at 2-2.

Just four minutes later, Betis took the lead. Troy Parrott produced a fine solo run before firing his finish past the Lille goalkeeper.

This put Betis ahead 3-2 in the 53rd minute.

Matters only got worse for Lille when Ethan Mbappé was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge.

Verdonk Remains An Unused Spectator

Even as his side struggled through this difficult period, Verdonk stayed on the substitutes' bench. Ancelotti opted not to bring on the Indonesian defender, despite making a total of five substitutions during the match.

Down to ten men, Lille continued to search for an equalising goal. They pushed forward in an attempt to create chances over the remaining minutes of the game.

Betis however successfully defended their lead until the final whistle was blown.

The 3-2 scoreline remained, handing Real Betis all three points. Lille were left empty handed, failing to pick up any points on home soil.