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Betis, Celta Vigo Face Uphill Europa League Tasks After First-Leg Losses

Real Betis must overcome a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Panathinaikos to advance in the Europa League, with the match coming during a poor run of form for Manuel Pellegrini's side. Celta Vigo also faces a challenging trip to Lyon after a last-gasp equalizer left their tie finely poised at 1-1. Both Spanish clubs are dealing with significant suspension and injury issues ahead of the decisive return legs. The winners of these matches will secure a place in the competition's quarterfinals.

Key Points: Europa League: Spanish Clubs Betis, Celta Vigo Fight for Quarters

  • Betis trails 1-0 from first leg
  • Celta Vigo drew 1-1 with Lyon
  • Both Spanish clubs face key absences
  • Manuel Pellegrini faces Rafa Benitez
  • Winners advance to quarterfinals
2 min read

Football: Work to do for Spanish clubs Betis, Celta Vigo in Europa League

Real Betis must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Panathinaikos, while Celta Vigo faces Lyon after a late equalizer. Key players are missing.

"The match comes at a difficult time for Betis, which has not won since beating Mallorca on February 15. - Xinhua report"

Madrid, March 18

Real Betis need to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Greek side Panathinaikos on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League. The Spanish side Celta Vigo will also have some work to do in the competition.

Vicente Taborda's 88th-minute penalty gave the Greek side the edge in Athens a week ago, leaving Betis with work to do at the Estadio de la Cartuja.

Both teams finished last week's match with 10 men, with Anass Zaroury sent off for Panathinaikos just before the hour and Real Betis defender Diego Llorente shown a red card for the foul that led to the decisive penalty.

The match comes at a difficult time for Betis, which has not won since beating Mallorca on February 15. Since then, Manuel Pellegrini's side has drawn at home to Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla, and Celta Vigo in La Liga, while suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Getafe.

Thursday also sees a meeting between two experienced coaches, with Pellegrini again facing Rafa Benitez, whose side is third in the Greek Super League.

Pellegrini will make a change in goal, with Pau Lopez set to start ahead of Alvaro Valles, although Lopez has conceded in all four European matches he has played this season. Brazilian central defender Nathan is a doubt after picking up a knock at the weekend, while Llorente is suspended, and Isco and Giovani Lo Celso are injured.

The good news for Pellegrini is that Sofyan Amrabat is fit and could even start in midfield.

Celta Vigo will travel to face Olympique Lyon in their Europa League return leg on Thursday, with the Spanish side under pressure after Endrick's 87th-minute goal for Lyon cancelled out Javi Rueda's first-half opener in the first leg, reports Xinhua.

Celta will also be without Spain international Borja Iglesias after his red card a week ago.

The Europa League, the second-tier competition for clubs in Europe, has reached the knockout stage, with the winners of this leg moving to the last-eight stage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian football fan, it's interesting to see these European matches. But honestly, our focus is more on the ISL and the national team's progress. Still, good luck to the Spanish clubs! 🤞
A
Arjun K
Pellegrini is a good coach, but the team's form is worrying. No win since mid-February? That's a serious slump. They need to find their rhythm quickly, or the season will be a wash. Amrabat being fit is crucial.
S
Sarah B
Celta Vigo conceding that late goal to Lyon must be heartbreaking. It shows the importance of concentration until the final whistle. Football can be so cruel sometimes. Hoping for a good second leg!
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on the negatives for Betis. They are at home, and a 1-0 deficit is not impossible to overcome. Have some faith! The Estadio de la Cartuja can be a fortress.
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Karthik V
The Europa League is always exciting. As a neutral fan from India, I'll be watching both matches. It's good to see different leagues competing. May the best teams win! âš½

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