SEVILLA, Spain (Interstat) — Real Betis opened its Europa League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Feyenoord on Thursday afternoon, overcoming an early deficit at Estadio La Cartuja.

The visitors from Rotterdam struck first against the run of play in the 17th minute. A swift counterattack, initiated by defender Valentín Gómez, found Antony breaking into the area. The Brazilian forward finished calmly to give Feyenoord a surprising early lead.

Betis, undeterred, continued to control possession and found its equalizer 15 minutes later. Midfielder Marc Roca delivered a precise pass behind the Feyenoord defense, and forward Abde Ezzalzouli raced onto it before slotting the ball home in the 32nd minute to level the score.

The Spanish side maintained its pressure in the second half and found the winner in the 77th minute. The decisive goal came from a substitute, as Casper Tengstedt connected with a cross from fellow substitute Gonçalo Borges to head past the Feyenoord goalkeeper. The assist was Borges’ first notable contribution after entering the match.

The match grew increasingly tense as it entered stoppage time, resulting in a flurry of yellow cards. Four players were booked between the 91st and 97th minutes: Betis midfielder Marc Roca, defender Diego Llorente, and Feyenoord substitutes Oussama Targhalline and Gonçalo Borges. Targhalline had also been shown a yellow card earlier in the 47th minute, while Betis substitute Anis Hadj Moussa received the game’s first booking in the 10th minute.

The result defied the pre-match projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw. Their ELO rating system had given Betis a narrow 50.90 percent probability to win.

With the victory, Real Betis begins the Europa League group stage with a perfect record of one win and no losses. Feyenoord starts its tournament with one loss. In all competitions this season, Betis holds a record of one win and no losses, while Feyenoord stands at no wins and one loss.

The match highlighted the impact of both teams’ benches. Beyond Tengstedt’s winner, assists were provided by substitutes Borges and Targhalline for Feyenoord, and Hadj Moussa for Betis. Key contributions also came from starters, including goal-scorers Antony and Ezzalzouli, and assist providers Gómez, Llorente, and Roca.

Real Betis will look to build on this momentum in its next European fixture, while Feyenoord aims to rebound from the narrow opening defeat.