Real Betis vs Roma

Estadio Benito Villamarin is the venue as Real Betis and Roma go head-to-head in one of the most high-profile Europa League match-ups this midweek.

Unfazed by an early deficit, Real Betis overcame Roma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico last week to maintain their 100% Group C start (W3) and move five points clear of second-placed Ludogorets. However, ‘Los Verdiblancos’ failed to build on their stunning comeback in Rome, drawing 0-0 with La Liga newcomers Valladolid at the weekend, marking their first clean sheet in five competitive matches. Safe in the knowledge they’ve not lost any of their last ten home outings in the Europa League group stages (W6, D4), Manuel Pellegrini’s side will feel confident about returning to the win column. Adding to this sentiment, the Spaniards are unbeaten when hosting Italian teams in European football (W2 D1) and have won all five competitive fixtures at Benito Villamarin this term.

In the meantime, Roma squeezed past a 10-man Lecce side 2-1 at home last weekend to bolster their confidence ahead of this must-win road trip to Andalusia. Following a mixed three-game Europa League start (W1, D1, L1), the 2021/22 Europa Conference League winners can ill-afford another slip-up if they’re to progress into the knockout stages. However, after losing their last two Europa League away matches, ‘I Giallorossi’ are staring down the barrel of a three-game losing streak in the competition’s road fixtures for the first time since 1993. On the bright side, Jose Mourinho’s men have found the back of the net on their last 22 European travels, suggesting Betis’ backline could face a formidable test. Moreover, they’ve won both previous Serie A games on hostile turf, scoring before halftime on each occasion.