Moroccan duo Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli inspire Real Betis to Europa League quarterfinals

Moroccan duo Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli were the driving forces behind Real Betis’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos FC in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie, securing the Andalusian side’s place in the quarterfinals.

Real Betis entered the match determined to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, and they did so in commanding fashion. Aitor Ruibal struck early in the eighth minute, giving the hosts momentum and setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Before halftime, Sofyan Amrabat added his mark on the game, scoring in the first minute of stoppage time to give Betis a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. The midfielder’s influence in the center of the park was evident throughout, breaking up Panathinaikos’ attempts to build attacks while also contributing decisively in the final third.

The second half saw Betis maintain pressure, with Juan Hernandez scoring in the 53rd minute to put the tie beyond doubt. Brazilian forward Antony then completed the scoring in the 66th minute, assisted by Abde Ezzalzouli, who impressed once again with his vision and creativity on the European stage.

The Moroccan duo’s performances were pivotal to the victory, showcasing their ability to influence big matches and propel their team forward. Amrabat’s midfield control and Ezzalzouli attacking intelligence underline Betis’ growing strength in continental competitions this season.

With this 4-0 triumph, Real Betis not only overturned their first-leg deficit but also sent a clear message to Europe: they are serious contenders for the UEFA Europa League crown. Fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on the Moroccan internationals as Betis prepares for the quarterfinals, confident that their contributions could drive the team even further in the competition.

The Andalusian side now looks ahead to the last eight, aiming to maintain momentum and capitalize on the confidence gained from this dominant performance, with Amrabat and Ezzalzouli likely to remain central to their European ambitions.