Betis, Valencia’s next opponents, reach last 16 as Celta advance | OneFootball

Real Betis secured a direct Europa League last-16 place with a 2-1 win over Feyenoord, while Celta de Vigo advanced to the knockout play-offs and will host the return leg.

According to Superdeporte, both Spanish clubs moved on in Europe. Betis finished fourth overall, Antony struck from the edge of the area to open the scoring, then teed up Moroccan international Abde for a headed 2-0 before Tengstedt punished a rare Pau López error to make it 2-1. Anxiety spread in La Cartuja as a leveller would have knocked Betis out of the top eight.

Betis were without Isco, Amrabat, Junior, Ricardo, Lo Celso, Bellerón and Cucho Hernández, though Antony featured despite pubic pain. His display suggests he will feature against Valencia at La Cartuja on Sunday, and Manuel Pellegrini hopes to have more players back.

Away from the pitch, Betis displayed a banner supporting PAOK after a car crash that killed seven Greek fans travelling to a match following a collision with a lorry. PAOK had earlier shown solidarity with victims of the Adamuz rail accident, referencing Tempi’s 2023 disaster in which 57 died.

Betis’ potential last-16 opponents are Nottingham, Fenerbahçe, Panathinaikos and Viktoria Pilsen, with ties due in mid March. Celta will face PAOK or Lille on 19 and 26 February. They drew 1-1 in Belgrade, new signing Fer López struck in the 87th minute and Brazilian Bruno Duarte equalised two minutes later.

Source: Superdeporte