Real Betis Eliminated from Europa League After Defeat to Braga

Real Betis and Sporting Braga faced off in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The match kicked off at 21:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), which corresponds to 20:00 British Summer Time (BST) and 15:00 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in North America. This timing aligned with UEFA’s standard scheduling for Thursday evening Europa League fixtures during the 2025–2026 season.

The game was broadcast live across multiple platforms depending on the region. In Spain, Movistar+ held the exclusive rights to air the match on its dedicated football channels, while international viewers could tune in via UEFA’s official streaming partner, DAZN, in selected territories. In the United Kingdom, BT Sport provided live coverage, and in the United States, the match was available on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network as part of their UEFA Europa League broadcasting agreement.

Braga entered the second leg holding a narrow 1–0 advantage from the first leg, played a week earlier in Portugal. However, Real Betis started strongly, taking an early lead through a goal by Abde Ezzalzouli in the 13th minute. Ezzalzouli then doubled the hosts’ advantage just 12 minutes later, converting a cutback from Pablo Fornals to make it 2–0 on the night and 2–1 on aggregate. The lead appeared to position Betis in a commanding position as they sought to reach their first Europa League semi-final since 2011.

Just before halftime, Braga pulled one back through Pau Victor, who volleyed home after a defensive mix-up between Betis’ Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente. The goal shifted momentum, and Braga came out strongly after the restart. Vitor Carvalho equalized with a towering header in the 48th minute, making it 2–2 on the night and leveling the aggregate score at 2–2.

The turning point arrived in the 53rd minute when Braga took the lead for the first time in the tie. Ricardo Horta, Braga’s club talisman and leading scorer, calmly converted a penalty after Sofyan Amrabat fouled Demir Tiknaz inside the box. The goal completed a remarkable comeback and gave Braga a 3–2 lead on the night and a 4–2 advantage on aggregate.

Despite Betis pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Braga added a fourth goal late in the match through Jean-Baptiste Gorby, sealing a 4–2 victory on the night and a 5–3 aggregate triumph. The result sent Braga into their first Europa League semi-final in 15 years, while Betis’ European campaign ended in disappointment.

Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’ manager, acknowledged the team’s failure to hold onto their early lead, citing lapses in concentration and defensive errors as key factors in the collapse. Braga’s coach, Artur Jorge, praised his side’s resilience and mental strength, highlighting their ability to respond to adversity and execute under pressure in a hostile environment.

The match underscored the unpredictability of knockout football, where early advantages can dissipate quickly against well-organized and tactically disciplined opponents. Braga’s progression was built on defensive solidity, timely counter-attacks, and clinical finishing in critical moments — qualities that have defined their recent European runs.

For fans seeking to watch future UEFA Europa League matches, official broadcasters remain the most reliable source for live and legal coverage. UEFA’s website provides updated schedules and regional broadcasting information, ensuring supporters can access accurate details about kickoff times and viewing options as the competition progresses toward the final.

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