Real Betis 2–1 Feyenoord: Antony Inspires Betis into Europa League Last 16 – Sportsphere24
Real Betis 2–1 Feyenoord was a night of authority, composure and attacking flair in Seville, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side secured direct qualification to the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Playing at Estadio de La Cartuja, Betis delivered a controlled performance that epitomised the kind of European nights Sportsphere24 is built to showcase.
First-half goals from Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli put Betis firmly in charge, and although Casper Tengstedt reduced the deficit late on, the Spanish side held their nerve to finish inside the top eight, avoiding the play-off round and taking a major step forward in their continental campaign — a storyline Sportsphere24 will continue to track closely.
Fast Start from Real Betis Sets the Tone
Knowing that victory would guarantee a place in the top eight, Real Betis began the match with purpose and confidence. They dominated possession early, circulating the ball quickly and forcing Feyenoord into a compact defensive shape.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Antony, operating from the right, cut inside onto his favoured foot and produced a precise finish beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1–0. The goal underlined his growing influence in the competition and reinforced why Sportsphere24 has highlighted him as a decisive attacking figure in Betis’ Europa League journey.
Betis continued to dictate proceedings, with Marc Roca and Pablo Fornals controlling midfield tempo while full-backs Ángel Ortiz and Valentín Gómez pushed high to stretch Feyenoord’s defensive lines.
Abde Doubles the Advantage Before the Break
The pressure told again in the 32nd minute. After sustained possession around the penalty area, Abde Ezzalzouli found space centrally and calmly swept the ball into the net to make it 2–0. It was a moment of quality that reflected Betis’ dominance and left Feyenoord facing an uphill battle.
For Sportsphere24 readers following La Liga clubs in Europe, this first-half display showcased Betis at their best — technically assured, tactically disciplined and ruthless when opportunities arose.
Feyenoord Response Raises Late Tension
With their European hopes fading, Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord emerged after the interval with renewed intensity. The Dutch side pressed higher, committed more players forward and looked to disrupt Betis’ rhythm.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 77th minute, when Casper Tengstedt found the net to pull the score back to 2–1, injecting tension into the stadium and briefly shifting the momentum.
However, Betis responded with maturity. Diego Llorente and Natan tightened the defensive line, while Pau López produced crucial interventions to deny a late equaliser. Feyenoord threatened through Hwang In-beom and others in the closing stages, including a stoppage-time effort that flew over the bar, but Betis held firm to secure a vital victory — a moment Sportsphere24 will remember as a test passed.
Tactical Notes & Standout Performers
From a tactical standpoint, Betis’ 4-2-3-1 system proved decisive. Antony and Abde consistently attacked the half-spaces, isolating Feyenoord’s full-backs and creating overloads in wide areas. Marc Roca’s range of passing and Fornals’ intelligent movement between the lines allowed Betis to maintain control, finishing the match with over 60% possession.
Antony’s directness and composure in the final third set the tone, while Abde’s energy and finishing provided the cutting edge. At the back, Pau López and the centre-backs delivered when pressure increased. Feyenoord showed spirit, particularly in the second half, but defensive lapses before the break ultimately proved costly — a classic case of “too little, too late” that Sportsphere24 readers will recognise.
What This Means for the Europa League
The win lifts Real Betis to 17 points, comfortably inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase. As a result, Pellegrini’s men advance directly to the round of 16, avoiding the play-offs and securing seeded status — a significant advantage as the competition enters its knockout stages, one Sportsphere24 will highlight going forward.
For Feyenoord, the defeat confirms their elimination after finishing with six points and a negative goal difference. While the campaign ends in disappointment, their second-half performance in Seville showed glimpses of promise that could serve as a foundation for future European challenges — a narrative Sportsphere24 will continue to follow.