Another thrilling week of European football has concluded, with La Liga's representatives experiencing the full spectrum of drama. Three Spanish clubs faced decisive second legs on Thursday, battling for a place in the semi-finals of UEFA's secondary competitions, with fortunes split across the continent.

For Celta Vigo, a dream European comeback at Balaídos quickly turned into a nightmare. Facing a daunting three-goal deficit from the first leg against Freiburg, their hopes were extinguished by halftime as the German side extended their aggregate lead to five. Despite a late consolation from Williot Swedberg, the 3-1 defeat on the night sealed a comprehensive 6-1 aggregate exit, ending their Europa League journey.

Heartbreak also struck in Seville, where Real Betis suffered a stunning collapse. After a brilliant start with goals from Antony and Ez Abde gave them a commanding two-goal lead on the night against Braga, the tie dramatically flipped. The Portuguese side mounted a furious comeback, scoring four unanswered goals through Pau Victor, Carvalho, Ricardo Horta, and Jean-Baptiste Gorby to win 4-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate, dashing Manuel Pellegrini's semi-final hopes in devastating fashion.

However, there was glory for one La Liga side. Rayo Vallecano, showcasing the resilience that defines their identity, are through to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. After surrendering a 3-0 first-leg lead to AEK Athens, who leveled the aggregate score early in the second half, the Madrid club found a hero in Isi Palazón. His crucial 60th-minute away goal proved decisive, sending Rayo through on aggregate and setting up a tantalizing semi-final clash with French side Strasbourg for a shot at the final.