Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis Match Recap - Dec 11, 2025

Real Betis Overcomes Dinamo Zagreb in a Display of Tactical Mastery and Offensive Prowess

Real Betis showcased their attacking strength with a decisive 3-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, solidifying their position in the UEFA Europa League standings. This match highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams, with Betis continuing their strong form while Dinamo struggles to find consistency.

Real Betis has been on a roll, now unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. Their recent form includes a thrilling 4-1 victory against Torrent in the Copa del Rey, where Rodrigo Riquelme shone with a hat trick. This performance against Dinamo further cements his status as a key player for Betis, contributing not only goals but also creating opportunities for teammates. The attacking trio of Antony, Cucho Hernández, and Riquelme has been particularly effective, combining for multiple goals and assists in recent outings.

Dinamo Zagreb's recent performances tell a different story. Despite dominating possession against HNK Hajduk Split with 60% and outshooting them 12 to 4, they could only manage a draw. This inability to convert chances has plagued them throughout the season, as evidenced by their disappointing xG figures. In this match against Betis, they again struggled to translate possession into meaningful scoring opportunities, finishing with only one goal despite controlling the ball for 64% of the match.

The defensive frailties of Dinamo were exposed once more. They conceded three goals, including an own goal from Sergi Domínguez, which set the tone for a challenging evening. The backline has been inconsistent, and this match highlighted their vulnerability under pressure. With only two wins in their last five matches, Dinamo's confidence appears shaken, especially after a heavy 0-4 defeat to Lille in their previous Europa League outing.

Betis' tactical approach was evident throughout the match. They effectively utilized counter-attacks and quick transitions, capitalizing on Dinamo's defensive lapses. The visitors managed to create high-quality chances, reflected in their efficient shot conversion rate. With only 36% possession, Betis still managed to score three times, showcasing their clinical finishing ability.

Antony continued his impressive run of form, scoring one of the goals and providing an assist. His pace and creativity have been instrumental for Betis, allowing them to exploit gaps in opposing defenses. The Brazilian winger's ability to stretch the play and create space for others has made him a vital asset in their attacking setup.

In contrast, Dinamo's reliance on young talents like Arber Hoxha and Dion Drena Beljo has not yielded consistent results. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to maintain that level against tougher opponents. Hoxha's late goal against Betis was a small consolation but underscored the need for more reliable contributions from the squad as a whole.

The statistics from this match reveal stark contrasts between the two sides. Dinamo led in total passes (89 to Betis' 51) and pass accuracy (90% to 82%), yet these metrics did not translate into effective attacking play. Their inability to convert possession into goals continues to be a significant concern as they sit at the bottom of Group F with just seven points.

Looking ahead, Dinamo Zagreb faces an uphill battle in their next match against FCSB. They must find a way to regain confidence and improve their finishing if they hope to salvage their Europa League campaign. Meanwhile, Real Betis will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture against PAOK, looking to solidify their place in the knockout stages.

This match served as a reminder of the importance of clinical finishing and tactical discipline in high-stakes competitions like the UEFA Europa League. For Real Betis, it was another step toward potential glory; for Dinamo Zagreb, it was another lesson in what is required at this level of football.