Overview
Although controlling the ball less, Real Betis still had reason to regret if they had to leave SC Braga's field with an unfavorable result. The La Liga representative was slightly better in terms of expected goals (xG), and also launched twice as many shots on target compared to the home team's only three accurate shots.
The turning point came after halftime when Cucho Hernandez successfully converted a penalty, equalizing after Florian Grillitsch's early opening goal. The 1-1 result helped the match return to balance before the rematch in Seville.
Returning to their home ground is a significant advantage for Betis. They have won 6 of their last 8 European matches here (2 draws), including crushing Panathinaikos 4-0 to come back in the previous round. However, stability is still a big question mark as it is also their only victory in their last 6 home matches in all competitions (4 draws, 1 loss), and only won 1/10 of the recent matches.
The 1-1 draw against Osasuna last weekend continued to show the lack of explosion of Los Verdiblancos, although they still hold 5th place in La Liga. However, Betis still has a spiritual support when they have won all 6 of the most recent knockout matches in Europe, including the journey to the Conference League final last season (lost to Chelsea).
On the opposite side, Braga also has a basis for confidence when they have won all 7 recent knockout matches in Europe. However, not taking advantage of the home advantage in the first leg makes them under great pressure before the away match in Spain.
Braga's away record in the knockout rounds is also not very positive. They lost 9/11 recent matches (1 win, 1 draw), including a 0-2 defeat to Ferencvaros in the previous round.
Carles Vicens's team entered the match with unstable form, only winning 3/7 recent matches (2 draws, 2 losses). The 1-0 victory over Arouca - thanks to Pau Victor's goal - helped them maintain 4th place in Primeira Liga, but also exposed a major limitation in scoring.
Braga has not scored more than one goal in the last 4 matches, and both victories come from keeping a clean sheet. Therefore, their chances of advancing are likely to depend on the solidity of their defense. This is inherently a strength when they kept a clean sheet in 7/11 Europa League group stage matches this season, the best achievement in the league.
Personnel situation
Real Betis continues to face a force problem as many key players cannot return. Ankle injuries still make some players sidelined, while Angel Ortiz is almost certainly absent due to shoulder dislocation. The case of Junior Firpo is still open before the match kicks off.
In defense, Brazilian defender Nathan is suspended due to receiving enough yellow cards, forcing Manuel Pellegrini to make at least one adjustment.
On the other side, Braga also could not avoid losing forces. Adrian Barisic was absent due to a muscle injury, while the defense became even more fragile when Sikou Niakate suffered an Achilles tendon rupture injury in the first leg.
Diego Rodrigues also had to leave the field in that match and could not participate in this away match. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Zalazar is still uncertain to play after missing the last 3 matches due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Real Betis: Lopez, Ruibal, Bartra, Llorente, Rodriguez, Amrabat, Altimira, Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli, C. Hernandez.
Hornicek, V. Gomez, Lagerbielke, Arrey-Mbi, Lelo, Gorby, Martinez, Grillitsch, Dorgeles, Horta, Victor.
The match between Real Betis and Braga takes place at 2:00 AM on April 17 (Vietnam time).
