Match Overview: Genk vs Betis

This highly anticipated match, part of the 3rd round of the 2025/26 group stage, will feature Belgian side Genk hosting Spanish club Betis on October 23rd at the Luminus Arena. This preview provides an in-depth look at the teams, including a comprehensive prediction, betting odds, and key statistics to consider for the Genk versus Betis encounter.

Genk Team Analysis

Genk’s Current Form in Europa League

Genk’s initial performances in the Europa League group stage have been somewhat inconsistent. The Belgian outfit began their campaign with a surprising away victory against Rangers. However, their momentum was halted a week later when, despite being favorites, they suffered a home defeat to Ferencvaros. This loss not only snapped their impressive four-match scoring streak in the Europa League but also saw them fall to 18th place in the overall standings. Interestingly, both of Thorsten Fink’s team’s matches have featured exactly one goal scored. A concerning statistic for Genk is their home record in this European competition, where they have failed to secure a win in their last seven fixtures, suffering five defeats during this period. 

Key Statistics for Genk

• Genk has recorded no wins in 9 of their last 11 Europa League outings, including 3 draws and 6 losses.
• A trend of low-scoring matches is evident, with a maximum of two goals scored in 6 of Genk’s most recent 8 fixtures in this competition.
• Defensive vulnerabilities have been apparent, as the Belgian side has conceded goals in 10 of their last 11 Europa League encounters.

Genk’s Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)*

The expected starting line-up for Genk in a 4-2-3-1 formation includes: Hendrik Van Crombrugge in goal; a defensive line of Zakaria El Ouahdi, Mujahid Sadik, Matte Smets, and Joris Kayembe; a midfield pivot of Ibrahima Sory Bangoura and Bryan Heynen; with Patrik Groszowski, Jarne Steuckers, and Junya Ito supporting lone striker Oh Hyeon-gyu. 

Team News: Genk Injuries

Genk will be without key players due to injury, as goalkeeper Tobias Lawal and defender Zakaria El Ouahdi are sidelined for this fixture.

Betis Team Analysis

Betis’ Europa League Campaign So Far

After the initial two rounds of the Europa League, Betis remains undefeated, having collected four out of a possible six points. Their home fixture against Nottingham Forest saw them scrape a late draw, but their subsequent match against Ludogorets was handled with far greater ease, resulting in a confident 2-0 away victory for the Spanish side. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad currently occupies the 9th position in the overall standings, placing them at the threshold of direct qualification for the Round of 16. Notably, Betis has already netted a total of four goals in the Europa League, a tally surpassed by only three other clubs in the competition. 

Betis’ Performance Trends

• Betis has displayed strong form in the Europa League, avoiding defeat in 14 of their last 19 matches, a record that includes 10 wins and 4 draws.
• The team has consistently found the back of the net, scoring in 6 of their most recent 7 fixtures in this competition.
• High-scoring games are common for Betis, with at least two goals registered in 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches.

Betis’ Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)*

Betis is likely to field a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Álvaro Vallés in goal; a defensive quartet of Aitor Ruibal, Natan, Valentín Gómez, and Junior Firpo; a midfield trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Sergi Altimira, and Marc Roca; and an attacking frontline composed of Chimy Ávila, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Cédric Bakambu. 

Team News: Betis Absentees

For Betis, defender Ricardo Rodriguez is unavailable due to suspension, while midfielder Isco continues his recovery from injury.

Match Official

Referee Profile

The referee for this encounter will be Elchin Masiev from Azerbaijan.

Referee’s Statistics (2025 International Matches)

Masiev has officiated 6 international matches in 2025.

He has issued a total of 24 yellow cards (including second yellows), averaging 4 yellow cards per match.

One red card has been shown.

The average number of fouls called per match stands at 25.

Penalties have been awarded in 17% of his matches.

Genk vs Betis Match Prediction

Genk’s Offensive Struggles

Genk’s attacking output in the Europa League has been notably meager, with the team managing to score just a single goal across their first two group stage fixtures. This low scoring rate is not an isolated incident; Genk has failed to score more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 matches in this European competition, remaining scoreless in some instances. Even with home advantage, supporter backing often provides little boost, as Genk has managed a maximum of one goal in their last four consecutive home Europa League matches. 

Betis’ Defensive Consistency

While Betis’ defense isn’t always flawless, it generally proves to be quite robust. In 7 of their last 9 Europa League games, the club has conceded fewer than two goals. It’s important to note that the instances where this trend was broken occurred exclusively in their home fixtures. When playing away, the Spanish side has demonstrated impressive defensive solidity, having conceded a total of just two goals across their last four matches in this tournament. Furthermore, Betis has only let in more than one goal in one of their last nine away Europa League encounters. 

Our Betting Prediction

Considering Genk’s consistent struggles in front of goal and Betis’ generally solid defense, especially away from home, the most logical prediction for this match is that Genk will score Under 1.5 goals. This prediction (Genk Individual Total Under 1.5) is offered at a coefficient of 1.54.  

Note on Line-ups

* The starting line-ups provided for each team reflect those from their most recent match in this competition.