PAOK vs Real Betis: Europa League Showdown
La Liga’s Real Betis will travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, for Thursday’s Europa League meeting with PAOK. The visitors enter matchday seven in a strong fourth position in the League Phase, while PAOK aims to solidify their position in the competition.
PAOK’s Pursuit of Progression
PAOK currently sits in a respectable 24th place, but they need to maintain their form to advance from the Europa League league phase for a second consecutive season. They are two points ahead of Dinamo Zagreb after securing two wins, three draws, and only one loss in their six League Phase games. Recent results have seen them draw their last two European outings, conceding a late equalizer against Brann and rescuing a 3-3 draw against Ludogorets.
The Greek side is riding a wave of momentum, having won five of their last six competitive matches. This includes a significant 2-0 victory over rivals Olympiacos in the Greek Cup quarter-finals and a commanding 3-0 win against OFI Crete, extending their home unbeaten streak to an impressive 22 matches since a loss to FCSB last February. They’ve also secured 11 clean sheets in 17 competitive home games this season, including two in the League Phase.
Real Betis’ Strong Position
Betis has already secured a place in the Europa League knockout rounds, accumulating 14 points from their six League Phase matches. Victories over Lyon, Utrecht, and Dinamo Zagreb have positioned them well to skip the knockout playoffs and advance directly to the last 16, holding a two-point advantage over teams outside the top eight.
Domestically, Betis started 2026 with setbacks, including a 5-1 loss to Real Madrid and a 1-1 draw with Real Oviedo. However, they’ve rebounded with home wins over Elche and Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and La Liga, respectively. Despite a recent dip in away form against top-flight opposition, Betis boasts the joint second-best away record in the League Phase, earning seven points from three trips outside of Spain.
Team News & Potential Lineups
PAOK will be without injured goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka, with doubts surrounding Luka Ivanusec, Kiril Despodov, and Giannis Konstantelias. Soualiho Meite is unlikely to feature after a recent injury. However, Magomed Ozdoev returns from suspension, and could be joined in the starting lineup by Tomasz Kedziora, Abdul Rahman Baba, Mady Camara, and Andrija Zivkovic.
PAOK possible starting lineup: Tsiftsis; Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba; Ozdoev, Camara; Zivkovic, Pelkas, Taison; Giakoumakis
Betis faces absences due to injury with Hector Bellerin, Junior Firpo, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Cucho Hernandez all sidelined. Antony is also out with a groin problem, while Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations but remain unavailable. Cedric Bakambu is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Real Betis possible starting lineup: Valles; Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Deossa; Ruibal, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Avila
Prediction
PAOK are formidable at home, but Real Betis are yet to lose on their travels in Europe this season. Considering this, a score draw seems a likely outcome, allowing Betis to return home with a valuable point.
For more in-depth data analysis, click here.
Written by Ben Sully
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