Betis Dominates Gent, Seeks Conference League Advancement

GANTE, Bélgica (AP) — Real Betis secured a promising 3-0 victory against Gent in the first leg of their Conference League knockout stage on February 13, 2025. The match took place at the Ghelamco Arena, showcasing Betis’ superior performance, particularly in the second half.

The Spanish squad controlled 51.2 percent of the possession and successfully executed seven shots compared to Gent’s 14. The goals came from Antony, Bakambu, and Altimira, cementing the Betis’ strong stance in the competition as they aim for a spot in the knockout rounds.

“We showed great character and discipline today,” said Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini after the match. “This victory puts us in a good position for the second leg, but we must remain focused.”

The scoring opened in the 47th minute when Antony, who had already tested the Gent goalkeeper multiple times, netted his goal with a well-placed shot. Bakambu followed shortly with the second goal, a close-range effort that capitalized on a mistake from Gent’s defensive line.

“I was just in the right spot at the right time,” Bakambu commented. “It feels great to contribute to our team’s success.”

Gent struggled to keep pace, despite a determined effort in the first half where they had a few clear chances but failed to convert. “We knew it was going to be a tough match against a quality side,” said Gent’s coach Danijel Milicevic. “We need to regroup and focus on the second leg.”

As the match wound down, Altimira sealed the game with a header, marking his first goal in the tournament. Betis’ defense remained solid throughout, with key interventions from Natan and Vieites, who thwarted several late attempts from Gent.

With this victory, Betis heads into the second leg with a healthy advantage. They aim to secure progression to the octavos de final, seeking redemption from their earlier struggles in the domestic league.

The return match is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, where Betis will look to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the next round.