Match Introduction
The third-round fixture of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage, featuring Genk (Belgium) and Betis (Spain), is scheduled for October 23 at the Cegeka Arena. This forecast offers a comprehensive analysis, including team form, key statistics, and a predicted outcome for the Genk versus Betis encounter.Genk’s Campaign So Far
Genk’s initial performances in the main phase of the Europa League have presented a mixed bag of results. The Belgian outfit commenced their journey with a rather unexpected away victory over Rangers but subsequently, in a role as favorites, succumbed to Ferencváros at home just a week later. This defeat not only ended their four-match scoring streak in the Europa League but also caused them to fall to 18th position in the overall standings. It’s notable that both of Genk’s matches in the competition have consistently seen only a single goal scored. Furthermore, Genk has not registered a home win in this European tournament across their last seven fixtures, with five of those seven matches resulting in losses.Genk Team Statistics
- The club has remained winless in 9 of its previous 11 Europa League games (3 draws, 6 defeats).
- A maximum of 2 goals has been recorded in 6 of Genk’s last 8 matches in this competition.
- The Belgian side has conceded goals in 10 of its last 11 Europa League appearances.
Genk’s Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Hendrik Van Crombrugge – Zakaria El Ouahdi, Mujahid Sadick, Matte Smets, Joris Kayembe – Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Bryan Heynen – Patryk Grosicki, Jarne Steuckers, Junya Ito – Oh Hyeon-gyu.Genk Injury Report
Goalkeeper Tobias Lavaux and defender Zakaria El Ouahdi will be sidelined due to injuries.Betis’ European Journey
Following the initial two rounds of the Europa League, Real Betis has maintained an unbeaten record, securing 4 points out of a possible 6. In their home match against Nottingham Forest, Betis managed to salvage a draw with considerable effort in the closing stages. However, their subsequent game against Ludogorets was handled with greater ease, as the Spanish side confidently earned a 2-0 victory on foreign soil. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad currently occupies the 9th spot in the league table, positioning them on the brink of direct qualification for the Round of 16. It’s worth highlighting that Betis has collectively netted 4 goals in the Europa League so far, a tally only three other clubs have surpassed.Betis Team Statistics
- The Spanish club has avoided defeat in 14 of its last 19 Europa League fixtures (10 wins, 4 draws).
- The team has scored in 6 of its last 7 matches in this competition.
- At least 2 goals have been scored in 5 of Betis’s last 7 Europa League encounters.
Betis’ Expected Lineup (4-3-3)*
Álvaro Valles – Aitor Ruibal, Nathan, Valentín Gómez, Junior Firpo – Giovani Lo Celso, Sergi Altimira, Marc Roca – Chimy Ávila, Rodrigo Riquelme, Cédric Bakambu.Betis Injury and Suspension Updates
Defender Ricardo Rodríguez is serving a suspension. Midfielder Isco is currently in recovery from an injury.Match Referee
Elchin Masiyev (Azerbaijan)
Referee Performance Data
Matches officiated – 6 (International competitions, 2025);
Yellow cards issued (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards issued – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties awarded – 17%.
Mark Thompson
