Europa League: Rare Amrabat goal confirms quarterfinals for Betis

Sofyan Amrabat’s sensational long distance strike proved to be the winning goal for Real Betis, who advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals with Thursday’s 4-0 second leg victory over Greek giants Panathinaikos.

The defensive midfielder’s first goal of the 2025-26 campaign came at the perfect moment in first half stoppage time at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Aitor Ruibal’s goal inside ten minutes for the hosts cancelled out a 1-0 lead obtained by the Greek visitors from their first leg victory.

But with the teams set to go into halftime on Thursday with a 1-1 aggregate score, Amrabat’s goal came out of nowhere to stun the visitors. It was a devastating blow for Panathinaikos, who failed to muster a single shot on goal after the interval to challenge the La Liga hosts.

Amrabat’s Morocco teammate, Abde Ezzalzouli, created the fourth goal from Antony after Cucho Hernandez struck early in the second half to put the hosts beyond reach.

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The Andalusian club advance to the final eight where they will face Portuguese club Braga. On Sunday, they will travel to face Athletic Bilbao in La Liga action before the upcoming international break.