Real Betis vs Braga Europa League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Real Betis are preparing to host Braga in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What you need to know

After watching his side take an early lead against Real Betis in the first leg before conceding a second-half equaliser from the spot, Braga's Ricardo Horta said: "One key point is Betis' transitions. We know we can hardly afford to lose the ball because they are very strong in those moments, and now we are fully aware of that kind of threat. We will go into the second leg with real ambition."

Braga have visited Betis' neighbours Sevilla twice in UEFA competition, losing 2-0 in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup group stage and winning 4-3 in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League qualifying play-offs. Betis, meanwhile, are unbeaten in eight European home games (W6 D2) and eager to take a step towards a second continental final in as many seasons, having lost to Chelsea in the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League decider.

Possible line-ups

Real Betis: Pau López; Bellerín, Bartra, Llorente, Rodríguez; Amrabat, Fidalgo; Antony, Fornals, Abde Ezzalzouli; Cucho Hernández

Braga: Horníček; Arrey-Mbi, Carvalho, Lagerbielke; Gabri Martínez, Grillitsch, Gorby, Gómez; Ricardo Horta, Navarro, Pau Victor

Form guide

Real Betis

Form: DDDLWD (most recent first)
Latest: Osasuna 1-1 Real Betis, 12/04, Spanish Liga

Braga

Form: WDWLWL
Latest: Braga 1-0 Arouca, 12/04, Portuguese First Division

Views from the camps

Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis coach: "Isco is part of the squad for tomorrow's match. Depending on how the game unfolds, we'll see if we need to use him, because he isn't ready for many minutes. We have more responsibility for having achieved a draw away from home. We accomplished the goal of not losing there, but there is not a favourite for this match."

Cucho Hernández, Real Betis forward: "I'm really eager to bring some joy for our fans. Seeing it all from the outside last year makes me even more motivated. Our supporters deserve success. This is is the most important game of my life, and I've prepared a long time for it."

Carlos Vicens, Braga coach: "At La Cartuja, we know it's not going to be easy. But when you get to these rounds of the Europa League, you know it's going to be difficult. We will try our best. We will try to maximise our options and go there with confidence, with spirit, with effort and more united than ever as a team. We need to be clinical in both boxes, attacking and defending. When you get to this level of game, the details make the difference."

Reporter's view

Simon Hart, match reporter

Betis are a step away from a second successive European semi-final and, while their winless run in Spanish Liga is now seven games long, they have a happy habit of excelling on European nights in Seville. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are undefeated in eight home games in UEFA competition and have won their last six two-legged ties – in the Conference League and Europa League – which gives cause for confidence.

They also have skipper Isco back in their squad after almost five months. Beaten just once on their travels in this European campaign, Braga are missing important players in centre-back Sikou Niakaté and midfielder Diego Rodrigues but do have No10 Rodrigo Zalazar back in their squad, though he may well begin on the bench.