Real Betis have reached their first-ever major European final after edging past Fiorentina in a dramatic second-leg encounter that went to extra time. The Spanish side, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, had earned a narrow 2-1 win in the first leg and secured a 2-2 draw in Florence, advancing 4-3 on aggregate.
Fiorentina, looking to make a third straight appearance in the UEFA Conference League final, briefly turned the tide in their favor before being undone by a lethal counter in the dying moments of extra time. Abde Ezzalzouli delivered the decisive strike, latching onto a rapid break down the right led by Antony, who drove a low cross into his path for a powerful finish past David de Gea.
Antony stars with goal and assist
Antony, currently on loan from Manchester United, was instrumental in Betis’ progression, playing a direct role in both goals. He opened the scoring on the night with a superb free kick after half an hour, bending the ball around the wall and into the net to silence the home crowd.
His pace and precision later proved crucial as he created the winner in extra time, cutting through Fiorentina’s left flank and finding Ezzalzouli with a pinpoint ball that led to the match-winning strike.
Fiorentina fall short despite Gosens’ brace
The Italian outfit fought back strongly before halftime, sparked by Robin Gosens’ two quick goals. The midfielder found space at the near post on both occasions, first nodding a header across the goal into the corner, then thundering a second into the top of the net to equalize the aggregate score.
Despite their momentum going into the break, Fiorentina’s energy waned in the second half and extra time. Isco had a chance to extend Betis’ lead but sent his shot over the bar, keeping the hosts in with a glimmer of hope.
Ultimately, the Andalusian side defended their lead during a tense finish, resisting Fiorentina’s last push and sealing a date with Chelsea in the final. The two teams will meet at Stadion Wrocław on Wednesday, May 28, after Chelsea secured their place with a 1-0 home win over Djurgarden, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory.
