Real Betis are heading to their first-ever European final after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Fiorentina secured a 4-3 aggregate victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. It was a pulsating night at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where goals from Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli lit up a classic under the lights and booked a historic showdown against Chelsea in Wrocław.
Antony Screamer Sparks Betis Brilliance
The game kicked off with high tension and few chances, but Fiorentina nearly opened the scoring early when Pietro Comuzzo’s header had to be scrambled off the line. Moments later, Betis flipped the script in sensational fashion.
With a free-kick awarded just past midfield, Brazilian winger Antony stepped up and delivered a thunderbolt. The strike beat David de Gea at full stretch, cannoned off the inside of the post, and flew into the net. It was a goal of pure quality and gave Betis a vital away goal to level the tie on aggregate.
Anthony what a goal you had this in your locker all along pic.twitter.com/hyItMyqMhg
— D i v i n e (@Utdcjay) May 8, 2025
Gosens Delivers Double Blow for La Viola
If Betis thought they had seized control, Fiorentina responded immediately. Within minutes, Rolando Mandragora’s pinpoint corner found Robin Gosens at the near post, and the German’s glancing header nestled into the bottom corner to restore La Viola’s aggregate lead.
Then, in near-identical fashion, Fiorentina struck again. This time it was Yacine Adli with the delivery, and Gosens again escaped his marker to power home a second header. In the blink of an eye, Fiorentina were 2-1 up on the night and 3-2 ahead overall.
Betis refused to fold. Johnny Cardoso came close with a thunderous strike off the crossbar, but it was Fiorentina who went into the break with momentum and belief.
Second Half Sparks Tension and Fire
The second half shifted into a gritty midfield battle, full of fouls, flaring tempers, and crunching tackles. The duel between Antony and Fiorentina captain Luca Ranieri became the defining feature of the half, with both players clashing repeatedly.
Referee intervention became frequent as five yellow cards were issued in a frantic 10-minute spell. Fiorentina continued to threaten on set pieces, while De Gea stood firm with a superb double save in the closing stages of normal time to keep Betis in the contest.
As the final whistle of regular time blew, the score stood 2-2 on aggregate, and extra time beckoned.
The 2025 Conference League final is set: Real Betis vs Chelsea #UECL pic.twitter.com/ir9wQVMkEM
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 8, 2025
Pellegrini’s Tactical Gamble Changes Everything
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini made a bold move by pushing full-back Aitor Ruibal into an advanced role at the start of extra time. It proved a masterstroke.
Seven minutes into the first period of extra time, Ruibal chested down a long ball and expertly fed Antony, who drove into space before squaring to Ezzalzouli. The Moroccan winger remained composed and coolly tucked his finish past De Gea to restore Betis’ aggregate lead.
The goal silenced the Fiorentina faithful and set the tone for a nervy, final 20 minutes.
Betis Hold Firm to Seal Glory
Fiorentina threw everything forward in search of a third goal, with Moise Kean and Mandragora both seeing efforts blocked. But Betis, marshaled by a resolute back line and an alert David de Gea, refused to crumble.
As the final whistle rang out across Florence, the Betis players collapsed in celebration. For the first time in their history, they had booked a place in a European final, writing a new chapter in the club’s legacy.
It was a night to remember for the green and white side from Seville—a performance defined by passion, resilience, and two moments of magic that will live long in the memory. They now head to Wrocław with dreams of lifting their first continental trophy.
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