Real Betis overcame an initial deficit to secure a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos at home, advancing 4-1 on aggregate. Betis equalized early in the match when Cucho Hernandez’s strike hit the crossbar, leading to Aitor Ruibal scoring from the rebound. The Spanish team dominated possession, extending their lead just before halftime in a peculiar sequence of events.
Winger Ezzalzouli, mistakenly assuming an offside call, kicked the ball high in frustration, only for Sofyan Amrabat to capitalize on the loose ball with a deflected shot that deceived the Panathinaikos goalkeeper. Betis further solidified their lead in the second half through goals from Ruibal and Antony, securing their progression to the next round. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo also advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Lyon.
Lyon faced challenges after Moussa Niakhaté’s dismissal, conceding a goal to Javi Rueda and later falling further behind to a strike from substitute Ferran Jutgla. Porto also secured a quarterfinal berth with a 4-1 aggregate win over Stuttgart, thanks to a stunning goal from Victor Froholdt and solid goalkeeping by Diogo Costa. Froholdt’s brilliant strike, coupled with Nartey’s late dismissal, sealed Porto’s victory over Stuttgart.
