The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa League round-of-16 tie between Panathinaikos (Greece) and Real Betis (Spain) will take place on 12 March at the Spyros Louis Stadium in Athens. Panathinaikos vs Real Betis: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos made it through to the round of 16 via a gruelling play-off tie against Viktoria Plzen. Both matches against the Czech side ended level after 90 minutes, and after extra time in the decisive game, the home team proved more accurate in the penalty shootout. The club have now recorded five straight draws in the Europa League, while their unbeaten run in the competition has reached seven matches. Notably, both teams have scored in each of the Greeks’ last four European fixtures. In the Europa League round of 16, Panathinaikos will appear for the first time since the 2009/10 season, when the club were knocked out by Standard Liege.
- The team have scored in nine of their last 10 Europa League matches.
- The Greeks have avoided defeat with a (+1.5) handicap in 14 straight home matches in this tournament.
- At least two goals have been scored in five of Panathinaikos’ previous six Europa League games.
Potential Panathinaikos Lineup (3-4-3)*
Alban Lafont – Sverrir Ingason, Georgios Katris, Ahmed Touba – Davide Calabria, Renato Sanches, Anastasios Bakasetas, Georgios Kyriakopoulos – Anass Zaroury, Vicente Taborda, Andrews Tette.
Defenders Ahmed Touba and Xavi, as well as midfielder Anastasios Bakasetas, are suspended. Forward Cyriel Dessers will miss out due to health problems. Defender Sverrir Ingason, along with midfielders Renato Sanches and Pedro Chirivella, are doubtful.
Real Betis
Real Betis finished among the leaders of the Europa League league phase, which helped them avoid the play-offs and go straight into the round of 16. Across eight matchdays, the club suffered just one defeat and claimed five wins. With 17 points in total, the away side ended up fourth in the standings. It is worth noting that the team have scored in six of their last eight European matches, and in all six of those games they managed to clear the two-goal mark. However, at the same time, the Seville outfit have failed to keep a clean sheet in four consecutive Europa League fixtures.
- At least one team failed to score in six of Real Betis’ previous seven away Europa League matches.
- The Spaniards’ run of matches without a draw in this tournament stands at five games (four wins, one defeat).
- At least two goals have been scored in five consecutive Europa League matches involving the club.
Potential Real Betis Lineup (4-3-3)*
Pau Lopez – Natan, Valentin Gomez, Angel Ortiz, Diego Llorente – Nelson Deossa, Pablo Fornals, Marc Roca – Antony, Abde Ezzalzouli, Chimy Avila.
Midfielders Sofyan Amrabat, Isco and Giovani Lo Celso are not ready for the match due to health problems.
Referee
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Matches – 9 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second bookings) – 24;
Yellow cards per match on average – 2.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Fouls per match on average – 25;
Penalties – 33%.
Panathinaikos vs Real Betis: Match Prediction
Panathinaikos have already achieved a very significant result, as the club will now play in the Europa League round of 16 for the first time in 16 years. On the way to this stage, the home side put together a solid unbeaten run stretching to seven matches. Crucially, each of the last five games in that spell ended in a draw after 90 minutes. In front of their own supporters, the team are unbeaten in four European fixtures, and overall, since the start of the current season Panathinaikos have suffered just one defeat in seven home Europa League matches.
Real Betis have also stood out for their resilience. The club have lost only one of their eight matches in the Europa League league phase, while four of their last five games ended in victory. However, on the road the Spaniards have traditionally looked less convincing than at home. Across their last eight away Europa League matches, the team have managed just three wins. Just as importantly, Real Betis’ only defeat in the current edition of the tournament came away from home, and the opponents were Greek side PAOK (0:2).
Most likely, the hosts will be able to put up a fight and keep the tie alive ahead of the decisive second leg.
Prediction: Panathinaikos, double chance
* For each team, the starting XI listed is from its previous match in this tournament.
