Real Betis pulled off one of the best comebacks of the Europa League round, flipping their first-leg loss to knock out Panathinaikos and grab a spot in the quarter-finals with Moroccan stars right at the center of it all.
The night was especially significant for Sofyan Amrabat, who made his long-awaited return after being sidelined since November due to injury and recovery following ankle surgery. His absence had been a major blow for Betis, making his comeback all the more impactful.
And he made a huge statement on his return.
Just before halftime, Amrabat produced a stunning long-range strike, a goal that completely shifted the momentum of the match and set Betis on course for a famous turnaround. It was the kind of moment that proved his quality and his importance to the team, especially after months away from competitive action.
Alongside him, Abde Ezzalzouli once again showed his attacking influence. The winger played a key role in the second half, using his pace and creativity to stretch the opposition before delivering a precise assist to seal the win.
El aplauso es para ti, Sofyan 👏 pic.twitter.com/FJK2aLQ8DG
— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) March 20, 2026
A comeback built on Moroccan influence
Real Betis needed a strong response after losing the first leg 1-0. And they responded emphatically, winning 4-0 on the night at La Cartuja to progress 4-1 on aggregate.
Amrabat’s return brought some much-needed calm and authority to the midfield, and Ezzalzouli provided that clinical spark upfront to kill off the game.
With qualification secured, Betis now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they will face Sporting Braga. The timing could not be better, with Amrabat regaining fitness and form just as the competition enters its final phase.
Read also: Real Betis Honor Ezzalzouli and Amrabat After News of Morocco’s AFCON Title
