Real Betis will host Vitoria de Guimaraes at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie.
The hosts defeated Gent 3-1 on aggregate in the knockout playoff round, while the visitors secured a second-placed finish in the League Phase to advance directly to this stage.
Match preview
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Real Betis secured their qualification into this season's Conference League by defeating Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih 5-0 on aggregate in the qualification playoff round at the beginning of the term.
The Green-and-Whites would have been largely disappointed with how their League Phase campaign played out, finishing 15th in the table with 10 points from three wins, one draw and two defeats, scoring only six and conceding five in that time.
Those results meant they would have to compete in the knockout playoff round in order to advance to this stage, and they comfortably dispatched Gent 3-1 over two legs to set up their tie with Vitoria.
The first leg victory against Gent, 3-0 away from home, snapped a streak of just one win in the prior six outings, and Betis have been significantly improved in the following outings, winning four of their last five.
Manuel Pellegrini's side were particularly impressive in their most recent matchup, deservedly defeating Real Madrid 2-1 after a dominant display against Los Blancos, generating 2.39 expected goals (xG) to Real Madrid's 1.13xG.
While that win will leave them with huge confidence heading into this one, Betis are set to face another formidable opponent, as Vitoria have enjoyed a superb Conference League campaign thus far.
The Conquerors defeated Floriana FC, FC Zurich and HSK Zrinjski Mostar on their route to qualifying for the competition, and they are still yet to be beaten in the Conference League after their league phase matches.
Vitoria won four and drew two of their six fixtures, leaving them alongside Chelsea as the only teams to remain undefeated in the League Phase, ensuring they placed second in the table and qualified directly to this stage.
Luis Freire, in charge since January 2025, will be hoping to pick up where they left off in Europe, continuing their unbeaten streak as they look to progress further into the tournament.
Team News
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The hosts are expected to be without the services of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Giovani Lo Celso, Marc Roca, Ricardo Rodriguez and William Carvalho for this match due to injury issues.
Following the superb 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the weekend, Pellegrini may decide to name a largely unchanged team here, with star-player Isco playing behind the striker.
As for Vitoria, Bruno Gaspar and Gustavo Silva are both unlikely to feature due to ongoing injury issues, though both should return in the coming weeks.
After defeating Casa Pia in their latest outing, Freire could make the decision to name an unchanged starting 11 here, though goalscorer Umaro Embalo may come into the team.
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Johnny, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Rodriguez; Hernandez
Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Maga, Borevkovic, Villanueva, Mendes; Silva, Handel; Santos, Mendes, Embalo; Oliveira
We say: Real Betis 2-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes
Vitoria may be undefeated in Europe this season, but the hosts will be buoyed by their victory against Real Madrid and we expect Betis to secure the win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
