In a thrilling semifinal clash of the UEFA Conference League, Fiorentina and Real Betis battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025. However, it was the Spanish side that ultimately advanced to the final thanks to a decisive goal in extra time.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final, but it was Betis who struck first. In the 30th minute, Antony delivered a stunning free-kick that curled beautifully into the net, leaving Fiorentina's goalkeeper David De Gea with no chance. This early goal gave Betis a crucial advantage, especially after winning the first leg 2-1.
Fiorentina, under the guidance of coach Raffaele Palladino, quickly regrouped and responded with an impressive comeback. Just four minutes after falling behind, Robin Gosens equalized for the Viola with a powerful header from a corner taken by Rolando Mandragora. The stadium erupted as the home fans celebrated their team’s resilience.
Gosens wasn’t done yet. Just eight minutes later, he struck again, heading home another corner, this time delivered by Nicolò Fagioli, to put Fiorentina ahead 2-1 before halftime. The atmosphere was electric, and it looked like Fiorentina might be on their way to the final.
As the second half unfolded, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Fiorentina appeared to be in control, but Betis remained dangerous on the counterattack. In a tense final few minutes of regulation, De Gea was forced into action, making crucial saves to deny Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli, keeping Fiorentina’s hopes alive.
With the score still 2-1 at the end of regular time, the match went into extra time. The tension was palpable as both teams pushed for a decisive goal. In the 97th minute, it was Ezzalzouli who emerged as the hero for Betis. Following a brilliant assist from Antony, he managed to find the net, equalizing the match at 2-2 and sending the game into a nail-biting finish.
Despite several attempts from both sides in the remaining minutes, including a near-miss from Ezzalzouli that hit the post, the score remained unchanged. The match concluded with a 2-2 draw after extra time, but Betis advanced to the final based on their aggregate lead.
Post-match, Palladino expressed his disappointment at the outcome, reflecting on the hard-fought battle. "We gave it our all, but it just wasn’t enough today. The players showed great character to come back, but we couldn’t hold on in the end," he stated.
Meanwhile, Betis celebrated a historic achievement, reaching their first European final. Coach Manuel Pellegrini praised his team’s fighting spirit and resilience, emphasizing the importance of Antony’s contributions throughout the match.
The final of the UEFA Conference League is set to take place on May 28, 2025, where Real Betis will face Chelsea, who secured their spot with a 1-0 victory over Djurgården in the other semifinal.
As for Fiorentina, the loss marks a bitter end to their hopes of European glory this season, and they now face uncertainty regarding their standing in the league as they currently sit in eighth place. The team will need to regroup quickly as they look to secure a strong finish to the domestic season.
In conclusion, the match between Fiorentina and Real Betis was a captivating display of football, filled with drama and emotion. The fans witnessed a rollercoaster of events, and while Fiorentina's dreams of a third consecutive final were dashed, Betis will now look to seize their moment on the European stage.
