El Betis Faces Setbacks in UEFA Europa League and Domestic League

omidbasir- Real Betis has come to a halt following their impressive victory over Villarreal nine days ago, which seemed to signal their resurgence. Their loss to PAOK in Thessaloniki on Thursday has complicated their pursuit of a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa League. Additionally, a defeat against Alavés at Mendizorroza last night squandered a prime opportunity to reclaim fifth place and create distance from their rivals.

Furthermore, the team returns from Vitoria with another confirmed absence for the upcoming league match. Natan received his fifth yellow card of the season in LaLiga and will face a one-match suspension imposed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation due to accumulated cautions. This suspension adds to the lengthy list of injured players that coach Pellegrini will have to contend with, as he will be without Natan on Thursday against Feyenoord and on Sunday against Valencia, depriving the squad of the Brazilian central defender.

Natan’s card was issued for a foul on Toni Martínez, as the referee, Ortiz Arias, noted that he had “recklessly brought down an opponent in a challenge for the ball” in the 36th minute of the match. Video evidence confirmed the foul by the Betis defender, leaving little room for appeal. However, Natan will be available to play on Thursday against Feyenoord and the following week against Atlético de Madrid, both in the Copa del Rey at La Cartuja and in LaLiga at the Metropolitano.