The betting odds may have favored Chelsea as the more formidable opponent, but for Real Betis, last Friday's draw for the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 offered some much-needed relief. The verdiblancos will face Vitoria Guimarães instead of the Premier League giants, allowing manager Manuel Pellegrini to breathe easier as his team navigates through the knockout stages of the competition.
During the draw held at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Betis was officially linked with Vitoria SC, setting the stage for their first leg of the tie to be played on March 6 at their home ground, Benito Villamarín. The return leg will take place on March 13 at the Dom Afonso Henriques Stadium in Portugal. This matchup may appear less intimidating on paper, especially since Chelsea looms as a potential future opponent only if both teams progress to the final.
Historically, Betis has encountered Vitoria Guimarães before, winning both encounters back during the 2013/14 Europa League group stage with narrow 1-0 victories. Dark times may have historically fell for Betis against big clubs, but avoiding Chelsea, who are considered tournament favorites, seems to have been fortune’s smile for the Spanish side this time around. Nevertheless, the past encounters with Guimarães indicate durable competition, as this is not to say Betis is guaranteed the win.
Even if Vitoria has struggled domestically, ranking 7th and trailing behind the top European qualification spots by 11 points, they strung together impressive performances during the Conference League group stage, coming off unbeaten with four wins and two draws, scoring 13 goals against 6 conceded. With this solid track record, Betis cannot underestimate them. Pellegrini himself cautioned about the challenge, stressing the importance of approaching every match with respect, stating, “No rival is easy and every team here has earned their place.”
While Betis’ prior record could instill confidence, Pellegrini acknowledges challenging terrain lies ahead for the squad as all return matches against Vitoria, and possibly future encounters against Jagiellonia or Cercle Brugge—whom they may face if they advance to the quarter-finals—will be played away from home. Therefore, fans are maintaining cautious optimism, as Betis will be playing all pivotal legs outside of their own stadium.
Notably, the calendar favors the verdiblancos moderately. Should they defeat Guimarães, they will face the winner between Poland’s Jagiellonia and Belgium’s Cercle Brugge, as expectations build closer to the quarter-finals, scheduled for April 10 and April 17.
Among those knowledgeable voices providing commentary on the upcoming matches, Álvaro Ladrón de Guevara, Betis’ technical secretary, reflects on avoiding tougher English opponents as he notes: “While we are content with the outcome, we remain committed with humility and seriousness, knowing the next challenges will be formidable.”
The stakes are undeniably high, as passage to the quarterfinals can significantly bolster the club both financially and reputationally, with potential earnings collected through participation accumulating up to €15 million for the winner. Past earnings from the previous rounds have already started to add up, with the latest progress against Gent awardiing Betis €800,000, with step-ups expected should they advance.
Returning to the final stage, which promises to be poised for excitement, it is set for May 28, 2025, at the Stadium Municipal of Wroclaw, Poland. With European silverware dangling tantalizingly on the horizon, every game will count.
That said, Betis’ focus now must remain squarely on Vitoria Guimarães. Despite their past success, football's unpredictability can turn the tide at any moment. Mustering their best form and energy for the expected challenge of the next round remains pivotal to their aspirations of triumph.
With the historical precedent against Vitoria fresh on the minds of supporters, and uplifting encouragement from club figures, Real Betis enters the Conference League knockout rounds with their eyes set firmly on progression, hoping to translate the anticipation of their historical clashes with Guimarães once more to the pitch.