Soccer January 29, 2026

This is one of the more intriguing matchups on tonight's slate, featuring two clubs with rich European traditions and genuine ambitions of making noise in this competition. Real Betis have been excellent at home this season, and the passionate Béticos faithful will create an atmosphere that few away sides can handle. Manuel Pellegrini has built something special in Seville, and his team's blend of technical quality and tactical intelligence makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone. Betis know a strong result here could secure their European destiny without needing to sweat the other results around the continent.

Feyenoord arrive in Spain with their own European dreams very much alive, and the Dutch champions have proven they belong at this level throughout the campaign. Brian Priske's side plays attractive, attacking football that's perfectly suited to European competition, and they won't be intimidated by the atmosphere in Seville. Feyenoord's away record in Europe has been solid, and they possess the creative talent to cause problems for any defense. This is a genuine test for both sides, with neither holding a significant edge on paper.

The 3.5 total is appropriate for a match between two sides that prioritize attacking football. Both teams have the quality to score, and the tactical chess match between Pellegrini and Priske should produce an open, entertaining affair. Betis have the home advantage and the slight edge in individual quality, but Feyenoord won't roll over. This has all the makings of a classic European encounter where the margins will be razor thin. Expect both managers to go for the win rather than play for a draw, which should produce plenty of action at both ends.

The City Ground on a European night is something special, and Nottingham Forest are determined to make this competition memorable for their long-suffering supporters. Nuno Espírito Santo's side have exceeded expectations this season, and their Europa League campaign has been a welcome bonus on top of their impressive Premier League form. Forest's defensive organization has been their foundation all season, and they'll look to frustrate Ferencvaros before hitting them on the counter. The two-time European champions may be a long way from their 1979-80 glory days, but there's genuine belief that this could be a special season.

Ferencvaros have been Hungary's dominant force for years, and they've acquitted themselves well in European competition. The Hungarian champions won't be overawed by the occasion, and they've shown they can compete with top-tier opposition throughout this campaign. However, traveling to England to face a confident, well-organized Forest side is a significant challenge. Ferencvaros will need their experienced players to step up and deliver a disciplined performance to have any chance of taking something back to Budapest.

The 2.5 total is notably lower than the other matches on tonight's slate, reflecting the defensive mentality that Forest bring to every game. Nuno's sides are built on organization and discipline first, creativity second, and that approach has served them well in both the Premier League and Europe. Ferencvaros will likely try to play on the counter as well, which could produce a tactical battle rather than an end-to-end thriller. Forest's quality should tell in the end, but don't expect a goal fest. This will be decided by fine margins.

Athens will be electric for this Europa League clash, as Panathinaikos welcome one of Italian football's most storied clubs to the Olympic Stadium. The Greek champions have been formidable at home this season, and their passionate supporters create an atmosphere that few away teams enjoy facing. Panathinaikos have shown they belong at this level, and they'll view this match as an opportunity to prove their European credentials against a Roma side that's been inconsistent all season. The home advantage is significant here, and Roma will need to be mentally prepared for a hostile reception.

AS Roma's season has been a rollercoaster, with managerial changes and inconsistent performances creating uncertainty around the club. Despite the turbulence, Roma still possess the individual quality to compete in this competition, and their experience in European knockout football is invaluable. The Giallorossi need a result here to secure their path forward, and there's been too much invested in this Europa League campaign to let it slip away in Athens. Roma's ability to raise their level in crucial European matches is well documented, and they'll need to channel that energy tonight.

This is the tightest match on the board, with Roma only slight favorites despite being the "bigger" club on paper. The 2.5 total suggests a cagey affair, which is typical for these decisive European nights where both teams have something significant to play for. Roma's quality edge may be the difference, but Panathinaikos at home are not to be underestimated. The atmosphere could be the 12th man for the Greeks, and Roma's mental fortitude will be tested. Expect a tactical battle where set pieces and individual moments of brilliance decide the outcome.

Lyon being underdogs at home in the Europa League tells you everything about where this once-dominant French club finds itself. The seven-time Ligue 1 champions have been through turmoil in recent seasons, and their European campaign has reflected that inconsistency. However, the Groupama Stadium still carries significant prestige, and Lyon's attacking talent can cause problems for anyone on their day. This is a must-win situation for the French side if they want to avoid an early European exit, and desperation can be a powerful motivator.

PAOK Salonika have been the surprise package of this Europa League campaign, and the Greek side arrives in France with genuine belief that they can pull off a result. Their disciplined approach and counter-attacking quality have served them well against bigger clubs, and they won't be intimidated by playing at the Groupama. PAOK's European experience has grown throughout this campaign, and they've shown the tactical flexibility to adapt to different opposition. The fact they're favored on the road against Lyon speaks to the quality of their performances this season.

The +120 line on Lyon at home is remarkable value or a trap, depending on your perspective. The 2.5 total suggests both teams will be cautious, understanding the stakes involved. Lyon's home form has been decent, but their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly this season. PAOK will look to exploit those weaknesses while remaining organized at the back. This feels like a coin flip match where the team that makes fewer mistakes will emerge victorious. European nights at the Groupama used to be special; tonight will determine if that magic still exists.