Betis' Europa League quarter-final hopes in the balance after Athens collapse
A man up, a goal down — Betis were outfoxed in Athens and now face a must-win second leg to keep their Europa League dream alive.
Лига Европа
Real Betis' path to the Europa League quarter-finals has become significantly harder after a stunning 1-0 defeat away to Panathinaikos, sealed by a late Taborda penalty in the dying minutes.
Pellegrini's side dominated possession throughout but offered little to trouble the Greek defence. Cucho Hernández was their brightest spark, forcing a couple of saves from Alban Lafont, but creativity in the final third was sorely lacking.
The game appeared to swing decisively in Betis' favour when Panathinaikos midfielder Zaroury received a second yellow card on the hour mark, leaving the hosts with ten men and thirty minutes to hold on. Instead, Panathinaikos dug deeper, organised brilliantly, and grew in confidence as the game wore on.
The sucker punch arrived in the 88th minute. Diego Llorente — who was himself sent off shortly after — conceded a clumsy penalty, and Taborda stepped up to convert with composure, sending the Athens crowd into raptures and leaving Betis shell-shocked.
It is a damaging result for a side that had genuine ambitions of going deep in this season's Europa League. The second leg in Seville now becomes a must-win.
Panathinaikos 1-0 Real Betis (Taborda 88' pen)