The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Real Betis (Spain) and Nottingham Forest (England) will take place on September 24 at the Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. Real Betis vs. Nottingham Forest: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini's side reached the Europa League group stage after finishing 6th in La Liga. This marks the fifth consecutive European season for the Spaniards, with four of those campaigns in this tournament. Twice during this period, the Seville team reached the Round of 16 in the Europa League. In the last two seasons, the club advanced to the knockout phase of the Conference League. Notably, in May, Betis played in the Conference League final, where they lost 1-4 to Chelsea.
- The Spaniards have an uncompromising streak of 10 matches in the Europa League – 5 wins and 5 losses in regular time.
- At home, Betis has not lost in 9 of their last 12 Europa League matches (6 wins and 3 draws).
- At least 3 goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 home games for the Seville team in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Real Betis (4-3-3)
Pau López – Nathan, Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente, Hector Bellerin – Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals, Sofyan Amrabat – Abde Ezzalzouli, Antonio Mateus, Cucho Hernandez.
Nottingham Forest
The English side has been absent from European competitions for 30 years. They managed to return to continental tournaments thanks to a 7th place finish in last season's Premier League. Interestingly, Nottingham Forest was initially set to play in the Conference League but received a Europa League spot after Crystal Palace was excluded from the European tournament.
- The club has not won in 8 of their last 10 Premier League games (4 draws and 4 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 8 of Nottingham Forest's last 11 Premier League matches.
- Both teams scored in 9 of Nottingham's last 10 away games in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
Matz Sels – Oleksandr Zinchenko, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz – Dan Ndoye, Dylan Bakwa, Chris Wood.
Referee
Sascha Stegemann (Germany)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 62;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.9;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 33%.
Match Prediction: Real Betis vs. Nottingham Forest
The upcoming match promises high scoring and an exchange of goals. This is suggested not only by the current form of the clubs but also by their defensive and attacking metrics. In La Liga, the Seville team has a 25-match scoring streak. Moreover, both teams scored in 16 of Betis's last 17 league games.
Nottingham's away games in their national tournament also tend to be high-scoring, with both teams scoring in 9 of their last 10 matches. Nottingham Forest has scored in 13 of their last 15 away Premier League games. Additionally, both teams scored in the last 4 European matches involving the Seville side.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
