Real Betis Edge Fiorentina to Reach Europa Conference League Final

Real Betis will contest their first-ever European final after a tense 2-2 draw on the night against Fiorentina secured a 4-3 aggregate win in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

Antony opened the scoring in Florence with a superb free-kick after 30 minutes, extending Betis’ aggregate advantage to two. However, Fiorentina roared back into the tie through Robin Gosens, who twice headed in from corners  in the 34th and 42nd minutes  to give the Italians a 2-1 lead on the night and level the aggregate at 3-3 by half-time.

The second half was a cagey affair, with both sides creating half-chances. David De Gea produced two superb late stops to deny Betis a winner in normal time, while Cedric Bakambu miscued a golden chance following excellent work from Antony on the right flank.

Extra-time delivered the decisive moment. In the 97th minute, Antony again tormented the Fiorentina defence, driving down the right and cutting a perfect ball across goal for substitute Abdessamad Ezzalzouli to tap in from close range, restoring Betis’ aggregate lead.

Betis almost wrapped up the tie twice in extra-time. Ezzalzouli struck the post in the 119th minute, before Isco blazed a clear chance over the bar moments later. Despite Fiorentina’s late pressure, Betis held firm to book their ticket to Wroclaw.

The Spaniards now face Chelsea in the final on 28th May in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.