Real Betis vs Panathinaikos: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview
Real Betis host Panathinaikos at La Cartuja for the Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday. The visitors carry a 1-0 lead from the first meeting in Athens.
Match context
Betis progressed from the group stage in fourth place. They collected five wins, two draws and one loss from eight matches.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side must overturn the deficit to advance. Their recent form has been mixed, with five matches without a win.
Recent results and form
Betis drew 1-1 at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday. That result left them three points clear of Celta in the fight for fifth.
The team have scored just once in their last three matches. They did record back-to-back wins earlier this run, against Atletico Madrid and Mallorca.
European home form
Betis have been strong at La Cartuja in Europe this season. They beat Lyon, Utrecht and Feyenoord in previous home Europa League fixtures.
Panathinaikos route and momentum
Panathinaikos reached the knockout stage via a playoff with Viktoria Plzen. Both legs finished level, and the Greeks won 4-3 on penalties in Czechia.
The visitors extended an unbeaten run to nine games after a 0-0 draw with Panetolikos. That sequence will boost their confidence ahead of the return leg.
First-leg incidents
The tie in Athens featured two red cards. Anass Zaroury received a second yellow, and Diego Llorente was later sent off after conceding a penalty.
Vicente Taborda converted the spot kick to secure Panathinaikos a narrow advantage.
European pedigree and records
Panathinaikos have not reached a European quarter-final since the 2002-03 UEFA Cup. They have struggled historically against Spanish opponents.
The Greek side have lost 14 of their last 19 European matches versus Spanish clubs. They have recorded two wins and three draws in that sample.
Team News
This section provides the latest team news, lineups and fitness updates. It covers injuries, suspensions and likely starters.
Real Betis
- Manager: Manuel Pellegrini.
- Absent: Giovani Lo Celso (thigh) and Isco (ankle).
- Suspended: Diego Llorente.
- Contenders to return: Pau Lopez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Sergi Altimira and Antony.
Panathinaikos
- Suspended: Anass Zaroury will miss the trip after his red card.
- Injured: Giannis Kotsiras and Erik Palmer-Brown are doubtful.
- Not registered for Europe: Moussa Sissoko, Tonny Vilhena, Adriano Jagusic, Pavlos Pantelidis and Lucas Chaves.
Possible lineups
Coaches may adjust their XI given suspensions and recent rotations. These are the likely starting selections.
- Betis (possible): Pau Lopez; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodriguez; Roca, Sergi Altimira; Antony, Fornals, Abde; Cucho.
- Panathinaikos (possible): Alban Lafont; Katris, Ingason, Touba; Calabria, Sanches, Gnezda Cerin, Kyriakopoulos; Pellistri, Taborda; Tetteh.
| Team | Europa League form | All competitions form |
|---|---|---|
| Real Betis | W W W L W W | W D D L L D |
| Panathinaikos | D D D D W W | W W W W W D |
Prediction
Filmogaz.com expects a tight contest at La Cartuja. Betis should use home advantage to chase the tie.
We predict a 2-0 win for the hosts. That scoreline would see Real Betis progress 2-1 on aggregate.
This preview has covered team news, likely lineups and a prediction ahead of the fixture. Fans can expect an intense second leg. Real Betis and Panathinaikos will both fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
