Predicion: PAOK vs Real Betis

PAOK

PAOK currently sit inside the top 24, but their position remains precarious. Two points separate them from 25th-placed Dinamo Zagreb, meaning Razvan Lucescu’s men cannot afford complacency. Their record so far—two wins, three draws, and one defeat—reflects resilience, though recent European outings have been dramatic.

A late equalizer denied them victory against Brann, while they salvaged a 3-3 draw at Ludogorets thanks to a stoppage-time strike on matchday six.

Domestically, PAOK are flying. They have won five of their last six competitive matches, including a 2-0 triumph over Olympiacos in the Greek Cup quarter-finals and a commanding 3-0 league win over OFI Crete on Sunday. That result extended their unbeaten home run to 22 matches in all competitions since February last year. Defensively, they have been formidable, recording 11 clean sheets in 17 home games this season, including two in the Europa League.

Team News

Goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka remains sidelined, while Luka Ivanusec, Kiril Despodov, and Giannis Konstantelias face late fitness tests. Soualiho Meite is unlikely to feature after limping off against OFI Crete.

On the positive side, Magomed Ozdoev returns from suspension and could start alongside Tomasz Kedziora, Abdul Rahman Baba, Mady Camara, and Andrija Zivkovic.

Real Betis

Betis have already booked their place in the knockout rounds, collecting 14 points from six matches. After a modest start—five points from their first three games—Manuel Pellegrini’s side hit their stride with wins over Lyon, Utrecht, and Dinamo Zagreb. They now sit fourth overall and hold a two-point cushion over the ninth-placed team, putting them in prime position to bypass the playoff stage and advance directly to the round of 16.

Their domestic form has been mixed. A heavy 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid and a frustrating draw with bottom side Real Oviedo marked a poor start to 2026, but Betis have since responded with wins over Elche and Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Away from home, however, they have struggled in Spain, failing to win their last three top-flight trips.

In Europe, it’s a different story: Betis boast the joint second-best away record in the league phase, earning seven points from three games.

Team News

Betis will be without Hector Bellerin, Junior Firpo, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Cucho Hernandez due to injury, while Antony misses out with a groin issue.

Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli have returned from AFCON duty, but Amrabat remains unavailable through injury. Cedric Bakambu serves a one-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first competitive meeting between PAOK and Real Betis, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Thursday’s clash. Historically, Betis have fared well against Greek opposition, while PAOK have often struggled against Spanish sides.

However, PAOK’s formidable home record and Betis’ strong European away form set the stage for a balanced contest.

Conclusion

PAOK’s home dominance and defensive solidity make them a tough nut to crack, but Betis arrive unbeaten on their European travels and with knockout qualification already secured. Both sides have reasons to fight—PAOK for survival, Betis for a top-eight finish—and that could lead to a tense, tactical battle.

Expect a closely contested affair, with a score draw the most likely outcome as Los Verdiblancos return to Spain with a valuable point.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet