The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Betis (Spain) and Nottingham Forest (England) will take place on September 24 at the Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville. Betis vs. Nottingham Forest: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Betis
Manuel Pellegrini's side reached the group stage of the Europa League by finishing sixth in La Liga. This marks the fifth consecutive European season for the Spaniards, four of which have been in this tournament. Twice during this period, the Seville team reached the Round of 16 in the Europa League. In the last two seasons, the club advanced to the knockout stage of the Conference League. Notably, in May, Betis played in the Conference League final, where they lost 1-4 to Chelsea.
- Betis has had a decisive run in the Europa League, with 10 matches resulting in 5 wins and 5 losses in regular time.
- At home, Betis has not lost in 9 of their last 12 Europa League matches after 90 minutes (6 wins and 3 draws).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Betis's last 8 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-3-3)
Pau Lopez – Natan, Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente, Hector Bellerin – Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals, Sofyan Amrabat – Abde Ezzalzouli, Antony Matheus, Cucho Hernandez.
Defenders Marc Bartra, Hector Bellerin, and Diego Llorente, as well as midfielder Nelson Deossa, are injured.
Nottingham Forest
The English team has been absent from European competitions for 30 years. They returned to continental tournaments thanks to a 7th place finish in last season's Premier League. Interestingly, Nottingham Forest was initially set to play in the Conference League but secured a spot in the Europa League after Crystal Palace was excluded from the European competition.
- The club has not won in 8 of their last 10 Premier League games (4 draws and 4 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 8 of Nottingham Forest's last 11 Premier League matches.
- Both teams scored in 9 of Nottingham Forest's last 10 away matches in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
Matz Sels – Oleksandr Zinchenko, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz – Dan Ndoye, Dilan Bakwa, Chris Wood.
Defenders Murillo and Ola Aina are injured.
Referee
Sascha Stegemann (Germany)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 62;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.9;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 33%.
Betis vs. Nottingham Forest: Match Prediction
The upcoming match promises high scoring and both teams finding the net. This is suggested not only by the current form of the clubs but also by their defensive and offensive statistics. In La Liga, Betis has a 25-match scoring streak. Furthermore, both teams have scored in 16 of Betis's last 17 league matches.
Nottingham Forest's away games in their national tournament have also been high-scoring, with both teams scoring in 9 of their last 10 matches. Nottingham Forest themselves have scored in 13 of their last 15 away Premier League matches. Additionally, both teams scored in Betis's last 4 European matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
