Ayase Ueda Scores in Lille's Champions League Opener Against Real Betis

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A Japanese striker opens his Champions League campaign with a goal

Ayase Ueda needed only 12 minutes to make his mark on the new Champions League season. Starting for Lille against Real Betis, the Japan forward found space in the penalty area and headed a cross from the right into the net for the opening goal.

It gave Lille an early advantage in one of the first matches of the 2026–27 league phase and put Ueda immediately on the Champions League scoresheet.

Lille could not protect the lead

The match changed several times after Ueda's opener. Lille went into halftime ahead, but Real Betis fought back after the break and eventually moved in front.

Lille's task became even harder when Ethan Mbappé was sent off in the second half. Ueda remained on the pitch until the 77th minute before Olivier Giroud entered, but Lille could not find an equalizer and Betis closed out a 3–2 victory.

Another major European stage for a Japan forward

A goal in the opening Champions League match gives Ueda an immediate landmark in Lille's European campaign. For followers of Japanese players in Europe, it also gives this season's Champions League another Japan-related storyline to watch from the very first matchday.

What To Know

Ueda scoring on the Champions League stage gives fans another Japanese forward to follow in Europe's biggest club competition. His movement and finishing will be worth watching as Lille's league-phase campaign develops.

European club football has a large following in Japan, and performances by Japan internationals in competitions such as the Champions League regularly become major talking points beyond domestic football.

What Fans Are Saying

Original Japanese

Easy Japanese

上田綺世選手が、チャンピオンズリーグの試合でゴールを決めました。リールはベティスに2対3で負けました。