Real Betis to Face Jagiellonia in Exciting Conference League Quarter-Finals

SEVILLA, Spain — Real Betis will host Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 8 p.m. local time for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final clash at Estadio Benito Villamarin. This matchup marks Betis’s first quarter-final appearance in a UEFA competition since the 1997-98 season.

After finishing 15th in La Liga, the Spanish side has outrun expectations by reaching this point in the tournament. They successfully navigated the knockout rounds with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Gent, followed by a dominant performance against Vitoria Guimaraes that resulted in a 4-0 win in the second leg, securing their quarter-final spot.

Head coach Manuel Pellegrini‘s squad is riding high on an eight-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a seven-match run without a loss in La Liga. The team’s confidence soared after a dramatic last-minute equalizer against league leaders Barcelona in their most recent match.

“We’ve shown great character and resolve,” said Pellegrini. “Our focus now shifts to the Conference League, and we intend to leverage our home advantage.”

Real Betis’s consistency has been aided by key player performances, particularly Isco, who is expected to return after serving a suspension. However, the absence of winger Natan due to an ankle injury poses a challenge.

In contrast, Jagiellonia Bialystok is making history as they compete in the knockout rounds for the first time. Despite finishing ninth in the Polish league, Jagiellonia exceeded expectations by overcoming TSC with 3-1 victories in both legs and surviving a nail-biting last-16 clash against Cercle Brugge.

“This is a monumental occasion for us. Competing at this level is both a challenge and an honor,” remarked Jagiellonia’s coach. “We aim to take this opportunity to showcase our talents.”

The Polish side had planned to sustain their energy after a busy month, recording a historic win in the Polish Super Cup earlier in April. However, they have struggled on the road in European competitions, losing two out of their last three away matches.

In terms of lineup, Betis is expected to make strategic changes, with Isco anticipated to start alongside Fornals and Antony. Meanwhile, Jagiellonia will miss their Spanish defender, adding to their list of injuries that might affect their performance in Sevilla.

“Playing at the Benito Villamarin is daunting,” added Pellegrini. “We’ve prepared diligently, and the team is ready to seize this moment.”

The stakes are high not just for a spot in the semi-finals but also for the pursuit of a first-ever European trophy for Real Betis as they continue their fairytale European journey.