The first leg of the 2024/25 Conference League Round of 16 between Real Betis (Spain) and Vitória Guimarães (Portugal) will take place on March 6 at the Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. Betis vs. Vitória Guimarães: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Betis
The Seville team finished only 15th in the overall stage, which forced them into playoff matches. In the previous round of the tournament, the Spanish club confidently dealt with Gent, thrashing the Belgians 3-0 on their field, and then, having relaxed, allowed themselves to lose at home by one goal (0-1). Interestingly, this century, the team has never progressed beyond the Round of 16 in any European competition.
- A maximum of three goals were scored in Betis's last 12 Conference League matches.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of Betis's last 10 games in this tournament.
- The Spaniards have not conceded in the first half in their last seven matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-4-2)
Fran Vieites – Youssouf Sabaly, Nathan, Romain Perraud, Diego Llorente – Sergi Altimira, Mateo Flores, Chimy Ávila, Abde Ezzalzouli – Antonio Mateus, Vitor Hugo Roque.
Forward Vitor Hugo Roque will not play due to suspension.
Vitória Guimarães
The Portuguese team is participating in this tournament for the third consecutive season. However, their previous two participations ended in the qualification stage for the main round of the Conference League. The club took advantage of the format change and for the first time this century reached the playoffs of a European competition. Vitória achieved this easily and confidently, securing 4 wins and 2 draws in the overall stage, ultimately finishing second in the main round of the tournament. In the 2024/25 Conference League, only Chelsea finished higher without suffering a single defeat, above Rui Borges's team.
- The club has not lost in this European competition in their last 12 matches (10 wins and 2 draws).
- Both teams scored in Vitória's last six Conference League games.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Vitória's last 8 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Vitória Guimarães (4-3-3)
Bruno Varela – Jorge Fernandes, João Mendes, Oscar Rivas Viondi, Alberto Costa – João Sabino Mendes, Jorge Silva, Tiago Rafael Silva – Nuno Santos, Caio César Andrade, Gustavo Cunha.
Referee
Nikola Dabanović (Montenegro)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 11%.
Match Prediction: Betis vs. Vitória Guimarães
The Seville team is in good form. They have secured three consecutive victories in La Liga, defeating strong opponents like Real Madrid and Real Sociedad during this streak. Additionally, they confidently advanced past Belgian side Gent in the previous stage. I believe the hosts of the upcoming match will aim to secure a victory in the first leg with as large a margin as possible, as surprises from the Portuguese team are possible in the return leg.
Vitória's unbeaten run in the Conference League is commendable. However, it is important to note the level of competition they faced in this tournament. Since the start of this European competition at the qualification stage, the Portuguese team has played 12 matches, but the most respectable opponent they have faced, considered a strong mid-table team, was Fiorentina, with whom they drew at home.
My prediction: Betis to Win
