UEFA Europa League Round of 16: Panathinaikos 1-0 Real Betis. The match kicked off at 01:45 on March 13, 2026, at the historic Leoforos Alexandras Stadium in Athens. A tense and tightly-contested European night was decided by a single moment of quality, as Panathinaikos secured a narrow but crucial first-leg advantage over Spanish side Real Betis. The Greek giants defended resolutely throughout and found their winner in the 67th minute, a well-worked move finished calmly by their captain to send the home crowd into raptures. The match saw few clear-cut chances, with Betis dominating possession but struggling to break down a disciplined Panathinaikos backline. The key incident came late in the first half when a Betis penalty appeal was waved away by the referee after a VAR check, a decision that left the visitors frustrated. The result gives Panathinaikos a precious lead to take to the Benito Villamarín for the second leg, while Betis will rue their lack of cutting edge in the final third. After the match, the Panathinaikos manager praised his team's "heart and tactical discipline," while the Betis coach lamented his side's inability to "convert our control into goals." Panathinaikos lined up with Brignoli in goal, with a defensive unit of Kotsiras, Magnússon, Jedvaj, and Juankar. Real Betis started with Silva, featuring Bellerín, Pezzella, Riad, and Miranda in defense.