Real Betis vs Utrecht Match Recap - Nov 27, 2025

Real Betis Dominates Utrecht, Solidifying Their Europa League Aspirations

Real Betis showcased their superiority with a commanding 2-1 victory over Utrecht, further solidifying their position in the UEFA Europa League. The win marks Betis' third consecutive victory in the competition, reflecting their growing confidence and tactical prowess under coach Manuel Luis Pellegrini.

Real Betis controlled the match with 70% possession, a stark contrast to Utrecht's struggles to maintain the ball. This dominance allowed Betis to dictate the tempo and create more opportunities, evidenced by their 8 total shots compared to Utrecht's mere 3. The ability to control possession has been a hallmark of Betis' recent form, as they have averaged over 54% possession in their last five matches across all competitions.

Cucho Hernández and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli emerged as key figures for Betis, both contributing to the scoreline. Ezzalzouli's goal marked his second in as many matches, continuing a rich vein of form that has seen him become a crucial player for Betis. His performance against Lyon prior to this match demonstrated his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and he has now established himself as a reliable attacking option alongside Hernández.

Utrecht's recent form paints a different picture. With only 1 point from their last four Europa League matches, they have struggled to find their footing in the tournament. Despite a spirited effort against Telstar in their domestic league, where they managed a late equalizer, Utrecht's overall performance has been lackluster. Their inability to convert chances into goals has been particularly concerning, as they averaged an xG of just 0.42 in this match, reflecting ongoing issues with finishing.

The defensive frailties of Utrecht were once again exposed against Betis. They conceded 2 goals despite having a relatively solid defensive setup on paper. The team has struggled with individual errors and lapses in concentration, which have led to critical goals against them in previous matches. This trend continued as they failed to contain Betis' attacking threats effectively.

Miguel Rodríguez, who scored Utrecht's only goal, has been one of the few bright spots for the team recently. His ability to find the net against tough opposition like FC Porto and now Betis shows his potential as a key player moving forward. However, without consistent support from his teammates, Utrecht's attacking efforts remain stifled.

Betis' midfield, anchored by Sofyan Amrabat and Sergi Altimira, played a pivotal role in controlling the game. Their ability to win duels and distribute the ball effectively allowed Betis to maintain pressure on Utrecht throughout the match. The midfield's performance was crucial in transitioning from defense to attack, enabling quick counterattacks that caught Utrecht off guard.

Utrecht's tactical approach seemed reactive rather than proactive, often allowing Betis to exploit spaces left by their advancing defenders. The lack of cohesion in Utrecht's midfield contributed to their inability to mount significant challenges against Betis' organized defense. With only 2 accurate passes out of 144, Utrecht's passing accuracy of 71% highlights their struggles in maintaining possession and building attacks.

The match statistics reveal a clear disparity between the two teams. Betis not only led in possession but also in shots on goal (3 to 1) and expected goals (0.94 to 0.42). This statistical dominance underscores Betis' effectiveness in both creating and converting chances while exposing Utrecht's vulnerabilities.

Looking ahead, Real Betis will face Dinamo Zagreb in their next Europa League fixture, where they will aim to continue their winning streak and secure a place in the knockout stages. Their current form suggests they are well-positioned to achieve this goal, especially with players like Hernández and Ezzalzouli firing on all cylinders.

Utrecht, on the other hand, must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against Nottingham Forest. With only one point from five matches in the group stage, they face an uphill battle to salvage their European campaign. The pressure is mounting on coach Ron Jans to find solutions that can turn their fortunes around before it is too late.

This match serves as a testament to Real Betis' growing confidence and tactical acumen while highlighting Utrecht's ongoing struggles in Europe. The contrasting trajectories of these two teams reflect broader narratives of resurgence and desperation within the tournament context.