VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung Islands – May 9, 2025 – Real Betis have secured a coveted spot in the UEFA Conference League final after a hard-fought two-legged semi-final battle against Fiorentina. The Spanish side emerged victorious with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline, following a dramatic 2-2 draw in the second leg held at Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Having secured a slender 2-1 victory in the first leg at the Benito Villamarín, Real Betis knew they faced a stern test in Florence. The return fixture lived up to expectations, delivering a captivating encounter filled with goals and tense moments.
The deadlock was broken in the 30th minute when Manchester United loanee Antony once again proved pivotal for Betis. The Brazilian winger curled a stunning free-kick past Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea, giving the visitors an early advantage and extending their aggregate lead.
However, Fiorentina showed resilience and fought their way back into the contest. German international Robin Gosens leveled the score just four minutes later, heading home a well-delivered cross from Rolando Mandragora. The home crowd erupted again just before halftime when Gosens struck his second, this time nodding in a corner from Yacine Adli to give Fiorentina a 2-1 lead on the night and equalize the aggregate score at 3-3.
The second half saw both sides create chances, but neither could find the decisive goal within the regulation 90 minutes, forcing the semi-final into extra time.
It was in the additional period that Real Betis finally sealed their place in the final. In the 97th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Antony provide an assist for Abde Ezzalzouli, who calmly slotted the ball past De Gea, restoring Betis' aggregate lead to 4-3.
Fiorentina threw everything they had at the Betis defense in the remaining minutes of extra time, but the Spanish side held firm, booking their ticket to the UEFA Conference League final.
Real Betis will now face Chelsea in the final, scheduled to be held at the Stadion Tarczynski Arena in Wrocław, Poland, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This marks a historic moment for Real Betis, as it is their first-ever appearance in a UEFA Conference League final.
For Fiorentina, the defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow, as they fall short of reaching their third consecutive final in the competition.
The hero of the tie for Real Betis was undoubtedly Antony, who scored a crucial free-kick in the first leg and provided a vital assist in the second. His contributions have been instrumental in guiding the Spanish side to the final.
Football fans can now look forward to an exciting UEFA Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.