Vitória de Guimarães saw their UEFA Conference League campaign come to an end in the round of 16, suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Real Betis at Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques.
Despite holding the Spanish club to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, the Conquerors were no match for Betis on home soil, with defensive frailties proving costly.
Betis Dominate from the Start
The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance, capitalizing on Vitória’s defensive lapses in the 5th minute.
Mikel Villanueva’s failed intervention and Toni Borevković’s misjudged challenge allowed Cédric Bakambu to burst into the area and slide the ball through Bruno Varela’s legs.
The lead was doubled in the 20th minute when Isco played in Antony, who in turn found Aitor Ruibal. His cross took a deflection but landed perfectly for Bakambu to nod home his second of the night.
Vitória’s Flicker of Hope
Guimarães struggled to create clear opportunities but managed their first real attempt in the 40th minute. João Mendes forced a save from Fran Vieites, with Nélson Oliveira’s follow-up effort flying off target.
Looking for a way back into the game, Luís Freire made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing Miguel Maga and Telmo Arcanjo in place of Hevertton Santos and Úmaro Embaló.
The changes momentarily sparked an improved display, with Maga testing Betis’ defense and seeing a shot deflected by Marc Bartra.
However, any hopes of a comeback were crushed in the 58th minute. Isco’s precise pass found Antony, who exploited Vitória’s static defense to drill a low shot into the bottom corner.
The final blow came in the 80th minute. Isco turned provider once again, setting Antony free down the flank. The Brazilian breezed past Villanueva before unselfishly returning the favor, allowing Isco to apply a clinical finish and seal Betis’ passage to the quarter-finals.
A Harsh but Fair Outcome
Vitória entered the knockout rounds full of belief after an impressive group-stage campaign, which included an unbeaten run and a hard-fought draw against Fiorentina.
Drawing Real Betis, a formidable opponent, was always going to be a tough challenge, but the Conquerors had reason for optimism following their first-leg result in Seville.
However, the return leg in Guimarães was a different story. Betis’ experience shone through, with Manuel Pellegrini making key tactical adjustments that neutralized Vitória’s attacking threat.
At 71 years old, the Chilean manager’s expertise was evident as he outmaneuvered Luís Freire.
On the pitch, Isco was the standout performer, dictating play with his intelligence and technical brilliance.
Meanwhile, Mikel Villanueva and Toni Borevković endured a nightmare evening, with defensive errors proving costly.
For the passionate Guimarães supporters who packed Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. Their dreams of a second European quarter-final appearance faded early in the match, and despite brief moments of resistance, they were ultimately outclassed.
As the disappointment subsides, pride in the team’s journey through the competition will remain.
Though their European adventure has ended, the Conquerors will take valuable lessons from this experience as they aim to build for the future.
