Real Betis started the present edition of the UEFA Europa League in good form. The Green and Whites, who played for the first time with their new orange third kit, took the three points home after beating HJK Helsinki.

The game started with bad news for the team when Juanmi fell down injured. The striker had to be subbed off. After this unfortunate event, Betis began to get control of the game.

In spite of two approaches from the home side, the chances in the first half were for the Green and Whites. The best were for Carvalho and Luiz Henrique, but both found sensational saves by Hazard. When it seemed that the game was going into half time, the referee was advised by the VAR for a tackle on Carvalho inside the area. The referee reviewed the play and had no doubts. Willian José took the shot and di not miss.

In the second half, HJK started strong, looking for the tie. They had a chance that made Betis react. Canales gave a warning with a shot that went just over the bar. One minute later, Willian José caught a loose ball inside the area and smashed it home.

After the goal, HJK tried to push a bit more, but Betis were controlling the game and defending well. The home side did score, but it was ruled out for offside.

HJK Helsinki: Hazard, Hoskonen, Tenho, Raitala, Browne, Soiri (Terho 75'), Boujellab (Murilo 75'), Lingman, Vaananen, Hostikka, Abubakari (Olusanya 75').

Booked: Boujellab.

Real Betis: Bravo, Aitor Ruibal, Pezzella, Víctor Ruiz (Luiz Felipe 46'), Miranda, Paul, William Carvalho (Guido Rodríguez 75'), Luiz Henrique (Guardado 75'), Juanmi (Rodri 5'), Joaquín, Willian José.

Goals: Willian José (45', 63').

Booked: Ruiz, Pezzella, Luiz Felipe.

Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (Israel).