The second leg of the 2024/25 Conference League playoff between Betis (Spain) and Gent (Belgium) will take place on February 20 at the Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. The score of the first match was 3-0 in favor of Betis. Betis vs. Gent: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Betis
The Sevillians settled the question of the winner in this two-legged tie in the first match. Playing away, the Spaniards easily defeated the Belgians 3-0. Now, to advance to the next round of the European competition, Manuel Pellegrini's side can even afford to lose by no more than two goals. Notably, the team has secured their third consecutive clean sheet victory in the Conference League.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 8 of Betis's last 11 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of the last 7 matches for the Sevillians in this European competition.
- The club has not lost in 8 of their last 10 matches in the Conference League (6 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-3-3)
Fran Vieites – Youssouf Sabaly, Nathan, Romain Perraud, Marc Bartra – Marc Roca, Giovani Lo Celso, Isco – Abde Ezzalzouli, Antony Matheus, Cedric Bakambu.
Due to injuries, midfielders Giovani Lo Celso, Hector Bellerin, Pablo Fornals, and Marc Roca, as well as defender Angel Ortiz, are unavailable.
Gent
The coaching change did not benefit the Belgians as they unexpectedly suffered a heavy defeat at home to the Spaniards in the first match. The team had not lost by such a margin in this European competition for 26 games. Now, to advance to the Round of 16, Gent needs to win by 4 or more goals. If they manage to win by three goals, extra time will be played. Incidentally, last season, the club was eliminated at this same stage by Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- The Belgians' uncompromising streak in this tournament stands at nine matches (5 wins and 4 losses).
- At least one team failed to score in Gent's last five games in the Conference League.
- No more than three goals have been scored in the club's last six matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Gent (3-4-1-2)
Davy Roef – Jordan Torunarigha, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Stefan Mitrovic – Tiago Araujo, Atsuki Ito, Matisse Samoise, Leonardo Lopes – Sven Kums – Dante Vanzeir, Andri Gudjohnsen.
Due to injuries, midfielder Andrew Hjulsager and forward Max Deane will miss the match.
Referee
Damian Sylwestrzak (Poland)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 41;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 38%.
Betis vs. Gent: Match Prediction
The outcome of this encounter seems clear. The Belgians have not been able to adjust to European competition, and the defeat to the modest Northern Irish side Larne in the final round of the general stage was no fluke. The team is only in sixth place in their domestic league, having won just 3 out of 13 away matches.
The Spaniards face some challenges in La Liga. The Sevillians might miss out on European competitions next season, so they will focus on the Conference League, where the opponents are easier, and they have a chance to finally win a trophy. I believe Betis will have no trouble winning the second leg, especially since the Belgians seem resigned to not making it to the Round of 16. Additionally, the Spaniards have won 3 of their last 4 home matches in the Conference League (with one draw), while Gent has lost their last three away matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Betis to Win
