Real Betis extended their unbeaten start to the UEFA Europa League group stage with a 2-1 victory over FC Utrecht at Estadio La Cartuja, in what marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

The match began with an early scare for Betis, as teammates Sofyan Amrabat and Isco collided, forcing Isco off just 10 minutes in after returning from a long-term injury. Amrabat continued for a few more minutes before he too had to be withdrawn, leaving the Spanish side without two key players.

Utrecht showed early attacking intent, with Souffian El Karouani’s dangerous cross narrowly evading Sebastien Haller. However, Betis soon took control, creating several chances as the first half progressed.

Around the 30-minute mark, Cucho Hernandez nearly opened the scoring, only for his shot from a tight angle to be cleared off the line by Mike van der Hoorn. The breakthrough came three minutes before halftime: Antony’s persistence in pressing high allowed him to win the ball and set up Hernandez, whose diving header found the far corner, earning him his first European goal.

Utrecht faced an uphill battle, compounded by El Karouani being forced off after a head injury following a collision with his goalkeeper just before the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Betis doubled their lead through Abde Ezzalzouli, who cut in from the left and rifled a low shot past Van der Hoorn. The Dutch side pulled one back against the run of play when Miguel Rodríguez scored an audacious effort from the halfway line, catching Alvaro Valles off guard.

Utrecht came close to an equalizer moments later, but Derry Murkin’s close-range effort was ruled out for offside. Despite continued pressure, they could not breach Betis’ defence, as the second half ended in a controlled win for the Spanish side.

The victory marks six competitive matches unbeaten for Betis (W4, D2) and just one loss in their last eight games at their temporary home (W5, D2), keeping them in a top-eight position after five group-stage matches.

Utrecht, still winless after five league-phase games (D1, L4), have yet to defeat a Spanish team and now face a steep path to qualification, sitting five points behind a playoff spot.