Real Betis crushed Panathinaikos 4-0 in the Europa League last-16 return leg at La Cartuja, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to reach the quarterfinals for the first time, where they will face Portuguese side Braga. Manuel Pellegrini's side shone with a bold setup and standout performances from Abde, Antony and Amrabat.
Real Betis enjoyed a great European night at La Cartuja Stadium in front of 60,000 fans. Manuel Pellegrini fielded two strikers, Aitor Ruibal and Cucho, with Sofyan Amrabat back from injury as the sole defensive midfielder, enabling a bold approach to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit against Rafa Benítez's Panathinaikos, who arrived unbeaten in their last eight European games but were organized and technically limited with five defenders. Three minutes in, Abde's rabona set up Cucho who missed narrowly. Pau López saved a one-on-one from Pellistri. Moments later, Cucho shot from the edge of the box, Ruibal chested in the rebound for 1-0. Before halftime, Abde appeared offside, but VAR upheld Amrabat's long-range strike for 2-0. In the second half, Fornals and Ruibal set up Cucho for 3-0 after Bartra's long pass. Antony sealed 4-0 following Abde's gallop. Fifth in La Liga, Betis ended a five-game winless streak. “Betis were superior, though there were key moments that could have changed things, like our first chance. Their second goal hurt us a lot”, said Benítez. Pellegrini noted: “The team came out from the first minute aiming to come back with great unity with the fans. We needed more presence in the box against a team with five defenders back, so we played two forwards. Amrabat gives our game a lot of hierarchy”.