In the first round of the Europa Conference League group stage, both Real Betis and Copenhagen suffered defeats against teams from the Polish Ekstraklasa. Recently, the Sevilla-based club has leaned towards low-scoring outcomes, a trend influenced by the injuries to key playmakers Isco Suárez and Giovani Lo Celso, which have left forwards with fewer opportunities.
Over the weekend, Real Betis managed a win against Osasuna (2:1) in La Liga, but lost another attacking hope in the process. Barcelona’s loanee Vitor Roque had impressed with two goals for the team but now joins the injury list. In the match against Legia Warsaw (0:1), Real Betis struggled to pressurise the opposition's box, controlling 61% possession yet producing only 0.78 xG and 3 shots on target.
At home against Jagiellonia Białystok (1:2), Copenhagen also failed to display their full prowess upfront, though the disallowed post-half-time goal by Mohamed Elyounoussi might have changed the game. Jacob Neestrup is still missing Roony Bardghji, Nicolai Boilesen, Rasmus Falk, and Birger Meling, each player capable of boosting their respective positions. Last week, they overcame Vejle Boldklub (3:1), but the trip to Spain represents an entirely different challenge.
Injuries are impacting the attacking passivity of both Real Betis and Copenhagen. It appears that both sides will engage in a match with minimal offensive action, so a spectacular display is unlikely.
