The match of Matchday 7 of the group stage of the 2025/26 Europa League between PAOK (Greece) and Real Betis (Spain) will take place on 22 january at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. PAOK vs Real Betis: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
PAOK
PAOK drew in a high-scoring away game with Ludogorets (3:3) in the previous round. Thus, the home side extended its unbeaten run in the Europa League to four matches (2 wins, 2 draws). However, the club kept a clean sheet in only one match during that stretch. At the same time, the visitors have scored in five consecutive games in this competition. In the domestic league PAOK sits 18th, and the chance to reach the top 8 will be lost in case of defeat in the upcoming match.
- At least 4 goals were scored in 5 of the last 7 Europa League matches involving PAOK.
- At home in this competition the home side is unbeaten in 5 games (2 wins, 3 draws).
- In 4 of the last 5 home Europa League matches PAOK kept a clean sheet.
Potential PAOK Lineup (4-5-1)*
Antoni Tsifris – Greg Taylor, Jonjo Kenny, Giannis Michailidis, Alessandro Voliacco – Dimitrios Pelkas, Soualiho Meïté, Christos Zafeiris, Georgios Yakoumakis, Dimitrios Hatzidis – Tyson.
Midfielder Soualiho Meïté and goalkeeper Jiří Pavlenka are injured.
Real Betis
Real Betis remain unbeaten in the current Europa League campaign. The win in the previous round against Dinamo Zagreb (3:1) was the club's third consecutive victory in this competition. The visitors scored at least twice in those matches. With 11 goals scored in total, the club is bettered by only five opponents in that statistic. With 14 points, Real Betis occupy fourth place in the table, although even a win in the next round does not guarantee a final top-8 position, but the play-offs are already secured for the visitors.
- Away from home Real Betis have conceded no more than one goal in 6 Europa League matches.
- On the road in this competition the visitors have avoided defeat in 9 of the last 12 games (8 wins, 1 draw).
- In 6 of the last 8 away Europa League matches the club scored no more than once.
Potential Real Betis Lineup (4-5-1)*
Alvaro Vales – Marc Bartra, Nathan, Aitor Ruibal, Diego Gomez – Giovani Lo Celso, Marc Roca, Antony, Pablo Fornals, Sergi Altimira – Chimy Avila.
Forward Cedric Bakambu is suspended. Due to health issues midfielder Isco, forward Kucho Hernandez, defenders Hector Bellerin and Junior Firpo are unavailable for the match.
Referee
Simone Sozza (Italy)
Matches – 10 (International fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow/red cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow/red cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 30%.
PAOK vs Real Betis: Match Prediction
PAOK show good scoring form, but some caveats are required regarding the quality of opponents. Against stronger teams PAOK looks much more modest. Yes, the goal fest with Lille can be recalled, but that was more of an exception. Against another Spanish representative the home side managed to score only once. And that despite Celta having a weaker defensive record than Real Betis. The visitors themselves also allow little at their own goal, conceding only one in their last five Europa League home matches.
Manuel Pellegrini's side are very likely to finish in the top 8. We believe the visitors will not force the issue and will focus on defence. Real Betis know how to defend: away in the 2025/26 Europa League they have conceded only one goal, and the club's total of 4 goals conceded is among the top five in the competition. At the same time, in away matches in the Europa League the visitors rarely produce a major goal show, scoring more than once in only 2 of their last 8 matches.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
* For each team the starting lineup in its previous match is indicated.
