Europa League Showdown: PAOK Host Real Betis in Crucial Qualification Battle
In a crucial UEFA Europa League fixture, PAOK will host Real Betis, with the Greek side fighting for progression while Betis aims to secure a direct spot in the Round of 16. The match at Toumba Stadium promises to be a hard-fought contest as both teams vie for their respective European ambitions. PAOK's strong home form will be tested against Betis' impressive European away record.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This UEFA Europa League clash at Toumba Stadium holds significant stakes for both sides. For the home team, PAOK, it's a crucial battle to progress from the Europa League league phase for a second consecutive season. PAOK currently sits two points ahead of 25th-placed Dinamo Zagreb, making every point vital. Real Betis, on the other hand, has already secured their spot in the knockout rounds. Their objective now is to consolidate a top-eight finish to advance directly to the Round of 16, bypassing the knockout playoffs. Betis holds a two-point cushion over teams outside the top eight, providing clear motivation for this fixture.
Recent Form
PAOK enters this match in excellent form, leading the Super League with an impressive record of 13 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Their home form has been particularly dominant, with 8 wins, 1 draw, and no losses. Across all competitions, PAOK boasts a six-match winning streak, with their most recent victory being a 3-0 triumph over OFI. In the Europa League, their recent record stands at 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses from six games. Real Betis is also in good shape, sitting seventh in La Liga with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses. Their Europa League form shows 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss from their last six matches. Overall, Betis has won 4, drawn 1, and lost 1 of their last six competitive games, including a recent 2-0 win against Villarreal.
Key Players & Injury News
For PAOK, goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka is sidelined until late January due to a rib fracture. There are doubts surrounding the availability of Luka Ivanusec (toe injury), Kiril Despodov (virus), and Giannis Konstantelias (illness or knock injury). Midfielder Soualiho Meite is also unlikely to feature after being forced off in their last match. However, Magomed Ozdoev returns from suspension and could be a key starter. Tomasz Kedziora, Abdul Rahman Baba, Mady Camara, and Andrija Zivkovic are also candidates for starting spots. Real Betis faces a more extensive injury list, with Hector Bellerin, Junior Firpo (thigh/hamstring injuries), Rodrigo Riquelme (adductor injury), and Cucho Hernandez (muscle/hamstring injury) all ruled out. Antony is also struggling with a groin problem and will miss the fixture. While Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli have returned from AFCON, Amrabat remains unavailable due to injury. Striker Cedric Bakambu will serve a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation.