Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu is not having the best season when he suits up in Spain's La Liga for Real Betis but the veteran hitman is having a renaissance when playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
After Betis played to a 2-2 draw with Portuguese side Vitória de Guimarães in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash, Bakambu sparked a dream start for the visitors in the second leg with two goals in the opening twenty minutes. Before five minutes had elapsed, Betis were ahead when Bakambu got behind the Vitória defense and delivered a calm poacher's finish between the legs of goalkeeper Bruno Varela.
Bakambuwas not done. On an attack in the 20th minute, Betis switched play quickly out to the right wing and Aitor Ruibal hit a hard cross for Bakambu to head in and deal another critical blow to their Portuguese hosts.
The hosts never recovered and Betis were well on their way to the quarterfinals. Manchester United loanee Antony added a third close to the hour mark before setting up Isco for one more goal in the 80th minute.
Bakambu only has one goal in seventeen La Liga appearances this season for Betis but it is a different story in continental competition. The veteran has five goals and an assist in nine Confernce League matches and his latest double will be a massive confidence boost before he joing the Leopards of DR Congo for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games against South Sudan and at Mauritania.
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