The second leg of the 2024/25 Conference League Round of 16 between Vitoria Guimaraes (Portugal) and Real Betis (Spain) will take place on March 13 at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques. The first match ended 2-2. Vitoria Guimaraes vs. Real Betis: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Vitoria Guimaraes
The Portuguese side remains unbeaten in this season's Conference League, a feat unmatched by any other team, not even Chelsea, who suffered a loss in the playoff round. Vitoria Guimaraes has an unbeaten streak of 13 matches in this tournament (10 wins and 3 draws). In the first leg, Luís Freire's team drew 2-2 in Seville. To reach the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time this century, they need a victory on home soil.
- Both teams have scored in Vitoria's last seven matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Vitoria's last 9 Conference League games.
- The club has not conceded in the first half of their last nine home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Vitoria Guimaraes (4-4-2)
Bruno Varela – Mikel Villanueva, Joao Mendes, Everton, Toni Borevkovic – Joao Sabino Mendes, Nuno Santos, Tiago Rafael Silva, Tomas Handel – Nelson Oliveira, Umaro Embalo.
Defender Bruno Gaspar might miss the game due to injury.
Real Betis
Real Betis has been unable to secure a home victory in their last two Conference League matches. They lost to Gent (0-1) in the playoff games and settled for a draw (2-2) in the first leg. To advance further in the tournament, Betis must win away. If the match ends in another draw, extra time will be played. Interestingly, the team has yet to reach the quarter-finals of a European competition this century.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 12 of Betis's last 13 matches in this tournament.
- In 7 of their last 9 European games, one team has scored exactly one goal.
- Betis has not conceded in the first half of their last eight Conference League matches.
Predicted lineup for Real Betis (4-3-3)
Fran Vieites – Aitor Ruibal, Nathan, Romain Perraud, Marc Bartra – Sergi Altimira, Isco, Joao Cardoso – Antony Mateus, Jesus Rodriguez, Cedric Bakambu.
Midfielder Chimy Avila is suspended, while midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Marc Roca are out due to injuries.
Referee
Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.7;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 57%.
Vitoria Guimaraes vs. Real Betis: Match Prediction
Despite changing their head coach in mid-January, Vitoria Guimaraes continues their unbeaten run in the Conference League. The team is quite prolific, especially at home, where they score around two goals per match in their domestic league. In this European campaign, Vitoria has scored at least two goals in five matches, with only Fiorentina conceding just one goal.
Notably, Vitoria has suffered only one defeat in 12 home matches in the Primeira Liga (6 wins and 5 draws). In the Conference League, they have 5 wins and 1 draw at home this season. Real Betis will face a tough challenge in the second leg, as they lack consistency in both European and domestic competitions. In La Liga, Betis has conceded in 11 of their last 12 away games, providing Vitoria with ample opportunities to capitalize on their attacking potential, allowing them to at least avoid defeat.
My prediction: Vitoria Guimaraes win or draw
