SC Freiburg and Aston Villa are poised to progress to the Europa League semi-finals after their convincing wins in the opening legs of their quarter-final ties with Celta Vigo and Bologna, respectively. Barring any choke jobs, these two teams should clinch their places on Thursday without any fuss.
Meanwhile, Real Betis, Braga, Nottingham Forest, and Porto have more to play for, as their first legs all ended in 1-1 draws. The pregame Europa League 2026 odds expect these four teams to have close second matches, which could be filled with numerous Europa League 2026 highlights for the football fans to enjoy in Estadio de La Cartuja and City Ground.
With limited spots up for grabs, expect Real Betis, Braga, Nottingham Forest, and Porto to go all-out, and you can learn more about these four teams in today’s SBOTOP preview.
Real Betis vs Braga
Real Betis are keen to make a second straight run to the last four of a European tournament, while Braga are targeting a first continental semi-finals appearance since reaching the 2010-11 final, and these two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw last week.
Braga got off to a brisk start in the opening leg, as Florian Grillitsch converted Diego Rodrigues’ dime to put the hosts up by one goal in the first five minutes. But since then, Real Betis pushed for the equaliser by applying more pressure on the hosts as time went on.
Real Betis came close to an equaliser after 24 minutes, as Marc Bartra’s header from Marc Roca’s free-kick hit the post. Cucho Hernandez’s close-range header before halftime tested Braga goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček. Los Verdiblancos found their breakthrough in the hour mark, as Abde Ezzalzouli drew a penalty on Jean-Baptiste Gorby, and Hernandez coolly converted from the spot to draw level.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in La Liga, while Braga won 1-0 against Arouca last weekend, despite being reduced to 10 men. Overall, we expect another grinded-out affair between these two teams.
Real Betis are expected to remain without the injured Isco, while Natan will serve his suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards. Giovani Lo Celso recently returned from a thigh injury and could come off the bench, while Antony could return to the starting XI. Hernandez is easily Los Verdiblancos’ top threat, as he already has 12 goals in all competitions this term.
Braga will be without Adrian Barisic due to injury, while Sikou Niakate (Achilles) is a long-term absentee, and Diego Rodrigues is doubtful after sustaining a knock. Gabri Martinez’s red card against Arouca is fortunately not applicable here in Europe.
Betting tip – Under 2.25 @ 2.19
Nottingham Forest vs Porto
Nottingham Forest and Porto are also locked at 1-1 after their first-leg meeting in Portugal. Porto went ahead in the 11th minute after William Gomes converted Gabri Veiga’s dime. However, they squandered their advantage right away, two minutes later, as Martim Fernandes inexplicably passed the ball into his own net from 45 yards with goalkeeper Diogo Costa stranded.
The Tricky Trees are finding joy in the Europa League, as they’re battling for Premier League survival. Vitor Pereira’s side will remain without Jair Cunha, Nicolo Savona, Willy Boly, and John Victor due to injuries. However, Nottingham Forest will be boosted by the return of Elliot Anderson, who served his suspension in the opening leg. Pereira could name a largely unchanged side from their draw with Aston Villa last weekend, with Stefan Ortega being the likely starting goalkeeper ahead of Matz Sels.
Porto are also without Luuk de Jong, Martim Fernandes, Samu Aghehowa, and Nehuen Perez due to injuries, and head coach Francesco Farioli may opt to stick with most of his starters as he had in the first leg. Unlike Nottingham Forest, Porto are at the top of the Liga Portugal standings with a five-point cushion, and they’re fresh from a 3-1 win over Estoril Praia.
Before the first leg, these two teams had already clashed in the league phase, with Nottingham Forest winning 2-0 against Porto at City Ground. However, Nottingham Forest have lost both of their home fixtures in the knockout phase thus far. Porto are actually winless in their last five meetings with English sides in the Europa League, including the aforementioned 2-0 defeat and a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest this term.
Nottingham Forest and Porto are expected to score goals at City Ground, but we’ll give the hosts the edge here.
Betting tip – Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.98
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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