Real Betis secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos, demonstrating clinical finishing and tactical superiority in a dominant UEFA Europa League display.
Real Betis delivered a commanding 4-0 triumph against Panathinaikos at the Estadio de la Cartuja. Antony starred, capping a superb individual performance with a goal and a game-high rating.
Entering this UEFA Europa League clash, Real Betis held an unbeaten record in the group, having secured a win and a draw in their opening matches. Panathinaikos, with one win and one loss, aimed to strengthen their position and climb the group table.
The home side wasted no time asserting control. Aitor Ruibal fired Real Betis into an early lead, finding the net in just the eighth minute. This set the tone for a vibrant attacking half.
Panathinaikos struggled to contain Betis's pressure, with V. Taborda receiving a yellow card in the 19th minute. As the first half drew to a close, Sofyan Amrabat doubled Betis’s advantage, scoring in the 45+1 minute to send them into the break 2-0 up.
Panathinaikos faced a daunting task at halftime, needing a significant tactical shift to alter the match's trajectory. Betis, in contrast, aimed to maintain their intensity and capitalize further.
Real Betis continued their offensive surge after the restart. Cucho Hernandez added a third goal in the 53rd minute, expertly converting an assist from Ruibal. This effectively sealed the contest early in the second half.
Panathinaikos introduced Renato Sanches and Tasos Bakasetas in the 55th minute, seeking fresh impetus. However, G. Kyriakopoulos quickly picked up a yellow card. Betis then made changes, bringing on Álvaro Fidalgo and Marc Roca for goalscorers Ruibal and Amrabat.
The hosts were relentless, securing their fourth goal in the 66th minute. Antony drilled home a powerful shot, assisted by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, further extending Betis's unassailable lead. Panathinaikos introduced Facundo Pellistri and G. Katris.
Both teams made late substitutions as the game wound down. Pablo Fornals and C. Avila entered the fray for Betis, replacing Hernandez. F. Djuricic received a yellow card for Panathinaikos in the 89th minute. Avila also saw yellow in injury time for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Real Betis showcased overwhelming dominance, registering 22 total shots, with 11 on target. They significantly outplayed Panathinaikos, who managed only 4 shots, with 2 on target. Betis’s expected goals (xG) of 3.0 dwarfed Panathinaikos's 0.26. Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont made 7 saves.
This commanding 4-0 victory significantly boosts Real Betis's standing in the UEFA Europa League group stage. They now sit atop their group with seven points. Panathinaikos, despite a valiant effort from Lafont, faces a challenging path forward after this heavy defeat.
