Defeat in Athens (1-0)

The Verdiblancos will have to turn the score around at La Cartuja

Real Betis suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Panathinaikos in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie.

The Verdiblancos dominated possession and created the best chances, but a late penalty, converted by Taborda, proved decisive.

This result means Pellegrini's men will have to overturn the tie in the return leg next Thursday at La Cartuja.

Panathinaikos: Lafont, Calabria, Ingason, Katris, Çerin (Siopis 83'), Renato Sanchez, Kiriakopoulos, Zaroury, Pellistri (Djuricic 93'), Taborda (Santino 94') and Tetteh (Swiderski 83').

Real Betis: Pau López, Aitor, Llorente, Natan (Valentín 45'), Ricardo (Junior 67'), Altimira (Deossa 78'), Roca, Antony, Fornals (Bartra 90'), Ez Abde (Riquelme 67') and Cucho.

Referee: Szymon Marciniak. Sent off Zarouri (home team) and Llorente (Betis) for two yellow cards; booked Pau López, Natan, Junior and Ez Abde (away team).

Goal: 1-0 (87') Taborda.