UEFA Europa League
5:45 p.mMarch 12, 2026
Round of 16
Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium
Reference: Szymon Marciniak, Poland
Panathinaikos
Real Betis
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.98
Expected Goals (xG)
0.57
Passing by
170 (69%)
Accurate passes
470 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
40
G
Alban Lafont
7.0
3
d
Georgios Katris
6.7
15
d
Ingi Ingason swears (C)
6.5
2
d
David Calabria
6.9
77
M
Georgios Kyriakopoulos
6.6
16
M
Adam Gnezda Čerin
6.0
8
M
Renato Sanches
6.3
M
Anas Zaroury
49′ missing
59′ StumbledF
Vicente Taborda
88′
7
F
Andreas Tetteh
6.6
28
F
Doing Pellistri
6.9
25
G
Pau Lopez
6.7
12
d
Ricardo Rodríguez
6.9
d
NATHAN
17′ Holdingd
Diego Llorente
66′ Holding 87′
24
d
Aitor Ruibal (C)
7.2
21
M
Marc Roca
6.6
6
M
Sergi Altimira
7.2
10
M
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
7.2
8
M
Pablo Fornals
6.6
7
M
Anthony
6.6
19
F
Cucho Hernandez
6.7
UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Panathinaikos secured a dramatic 1-0 Europa League victory over Real Betis, with a late penalty from Vicente Taborda ending a stormy affair marred by two red cards.
Panathinaikos secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Real Betis in a fiery UEFA Europa League clash. Vicente Taborda converted a crucial penalty in the 88th minute, electrifying the Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium. The match saw two red cards and a controversial finish.
Going into the match, Panathinaikos aimed to generate momentum on home soil. Real Betis, for its part, wanted to assert its European ambitions. The Greek team finished 12th with three points, while the Spanish visitors were 9th with four points.
The first half started with immediate intensity. Natan del Betis received the first yellow card of the match in the 17th minute for holding on. This set an early physical tone for the contest.
Real Betis controlled possession for much of the opening period. They dictated the game, patiently building attacks. However, Panathinaikos’ defense remained resolute, denying clear chances.
Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont was a busy man. He made several important saves to keep the score tied. His vigilance ensured that the home team stayed strong in the match.
The teams headed into the break with the score at 0-0. The two managers were faced with decisions. They needed to find a way to break the tie in a tight game.
Panathinaikos suffered a major blow early in the second half. Arouna Zaroury received a yellow card in the 49th minute. Just ten minutes later, Zaroury received his second yellow, then a red, for a foul, leaving his team with ten men.
With a numerical advantage, Real Betis pressed harder. They were looking to take advantage of their extra man. Defender Diego Llorente was shown a yellow card for holding on in the 66th minute as frustration mounted.
The dramatic climax of the match developed late. Llorente received his second yellow card and then a red in the 87th minute. This reduced Betis to ten players, restoring parity in numbers.
From the chaos that followed, Panathinaikos won a penalty. Vicente Taborda went up with confidence. He slotted the ball home in the 88th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Real Betis dominated possession with 68%. They managed 12 shots in total compared to Panathinaikos’ 7. However, Panathinaikos have generated a higher expected goal (xG) of 0.98, compared to Betis’ 0.57, thanks to Taborda’s penalty. Lafont’s five saves were vital.
This hard-fought 1-0 win gives Panathinaikos a major boost in their Europa League campaign. Real Betis will regret their missed opportunities and disciplinary problems. The return promises another intense battle.
