La Liga European Round-Up: Betis and Celta Vigo Suffer Setbacks, Rayo Vallecano Secures Away Win
Thursday saw three La Liga teams compete in the Round of 16 of the Europa League and UEFA Conference League. Real Betis journeyed to Greece to challenge Rafa Benitez's Panathinaikos, Celta Vigo welcomed Lyon, and Rayo Vallecano took on Samsunspor in Türkiye.
Panathinaikos Takes Advantage as Real Betis Falters in Athens
Panathinaikos 1-0 Real Betis
Real Betis faces an uphill battle to reach the Europa League quarter-finals, needing a victory at La Cartuja next week after a frustrating 1-0 loss in Athens. Despite Manuel Pellegrini's side largely dominating the match, they couldn't capitalize on a significant opportunity after Anass Zaroury received a red card on the hour mark for fouling Ez Abde. Betis failed to convert their numerical advantage. The situation worsened when Diego Llorente was also sent off for conceding a late penalty, which Vicente Taborda successfully converted from the spot, securing a crucial home win for Panathinaikos.
Late Endrick Goal Denies 10-Man Celta Vigo Home Victory
Celta Vigo 1-1 Lyon
Celta Vigo also suffered a red card setback in their home leg at Balaidos. Javi Rueda had given them a first-half lead. However, following Borja Iglesias's dismissal for two bookable offenses, Real Madrid's loaned talent Endrick Felipe found the equalizer late in the game, capitalizing on Ionut Radu's inability to control his shot from outside the box. Lyon will now be considered favorites to advance in front of their home crowd next week.
Rayo Vallecano Secures Dominant Away Win in Conference League
Samsunspor 1-3 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano enjoyed a far more productive evening, securing a two-goal advantage to bring back to Vallecas. Alemao initiated the scoring in the 15th minute. Despite a quick response from the home team, Iñigo Pérez's squad regained the lead before halftime through Álvaro García's goal in the 40th minute. Alemao then completed his brace in the second half with a superb strike, putting Rayo Vallecano firmly on course for the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.
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