Vitoria de Guimaraes will look to improve its impressive Europa League run when it takes on Real Betis on Thursday.
The Portuguese side was not expected to put up much of a fight in its current group but currently sits at the top after collecting four points in its first two games. The team defeated Rijeka 4-0 at home in its tournament debut before drawing 1-1 against French squad Lyon.
"It was a little bittersweet because we felt we could have won, but we were facing very strong opponents," said coach Rui Vitória, according to UEFA. "Nonetheless, it is a result that allows us to keep alive our dream of going further in this competition."
"We believed from the start we could go far in the Europa League and the results show we were right," added goalkeeper Douglas.
The team will be facing a Spanish side that has struggled in the tournament thus far. Real Betis drew 0-0 with Lyon at home before tying 1-1 with Rijeka on the road.
A win for Vitoria de Guimaraes would put the team in complete control of the group with seven points; a Lyon win over Rijeka would maintain a two-point advantage for the Portuguese contingent. A draw in this match would keep the team in first place regardless of the result in the other match. A loss would put Betis above Guimaraes in the standings and potentially push the Portuguese side to third place if Lyon wins.
Prediction: Betis manages a 1-0 win.
Start Time: 1 p.m. EST
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