Mansion Sports – The fifth matchday of the league phase in the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa League will feature a crucial encounter between Real Betis and FC Utrecht at the Estadio de La Cartuja. The match is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 18:45 local time.

Real Betis look to preserve their unbeaten Europa League run as they host FC Utrecht on Thursday evening, while the Dutch visitors arrive in Spain determined to secure their first league-phase victory of the season.

Team Conditions Ahead of Kickoff

Real Betis

Last season’s Conference League finalists currently sit ninth in the Europa League league-phase standings, having collected eight points from their first four matches.

Los Verdiblancos began with a draw against Nottingham Forest, followed by a win over Ludogorets in Bulgaria, and then a goalless draw away to Genk.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side earned their second league-phase victory earlier this month with a 2-0 win against Lyon, courtesy of goals from Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony, placing them within reach of the top eight.

Despite this progress, their performance has dipped slightly after back-to-back 1-1 draws against Valencia and Girona in La Liga.

Although somewhat inconsistent, Betis remain unbeaten in five competitive matches and now aim to regain momentum ahead of their crucial derby against Sevilla.

Their record at La Cartuja also provides encouragement, with four wins from their last seven fixtures at the venue, including two victories in their three most recent outings there.

FC Utrecht

FC Utrecht face a challenging return to major European competition, marking their first appearance since the 2010–2011 Europa League group stage.

The Dutch side are among the five clubs yet to secure a win in this season’s league phase, registering only one point from four matches.

Their campaign opened with three consecutive defeats to Lyon, Brann, and Freiburg, before they finally earned a point in a 1-1 draw against Porto.

This situation places them three points below the cutoff for the top 24 with four games remaining.

Utrecht’s attacking struggles contribute significantly to their problems, having scored only once in the Europa League so far.

Although they are unbeaten in their last four competitive matches, their poor away form—five defeats in their last six away fixtures—raises concerns ahead of their trip to La Cartuja.

Predicted Lineups for Real Betis vs Utrecht November 2025

Real Betis (4-3-3)

Betis will be without Hector Bellerin, who suffered a muscle injury during the weekend league match.

Doubts also remain regarding the fitness of Pau Lopez and Giovani Lo Celso, both of whom continue to be assessed.

Meanwhile, Antony is suspended for La Liga but remains eligible for European competition.

Real Betis | 4-3-3 Formation

FC Utrecht (4-2-3-1)

Utrecht remain without Niklas Vesterlund, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since early October. In goal, Michael Brouwer will replace Vasilis Barkas, who is serving a suspension. 

Ron Jans is not expected to make major changes, although Adrian Blake may return to the starting eleven after beginning the previous match on the bench.

FC Utrecht | 4-2-3-1 Formation

The match serves as both a test of resolve and an opportunity to display quality for Real Betis and Utrecht alike, leaving the outcome dependent on which side can capitalise most effectively on the occasion.