Fiorentina is set to take on Real Betis in a crucial UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg tonight at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT, 21:00 CET) on May 8, 2025. The Italian side is looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg played in Seville, where goals from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and former Manchester United star Antony secured the victory for Betis.
The stakes are high for Fiorentina, as they aim to reach their third consecutive UEFA competition final. Coach Raffaele Palladino has made some tactical changes to the starting lineup, including the return of Moise Kean and Dodo, who has recovered from appendicitis. Palladino's side also sees Yacine Adli stepping in for the injured Danilo Cataldi, while Albert Gudmundsson completes the attacking trio alongside Kean.
Fiorentina's hopes rest on their impressive home form; they are unbeaten in their last 13 home games in this tournament. However, they face a formidable opponent in Real Betis, who are riding high on a wave of confidence after a comeback victory over Espanyol in La Liga. The Spanish side is looking to make history by reaching their first-ever European Cup final, and they come into this match with the momentum of four consecutive wins across all competitions.
“The tie is open,” said Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino. “We have to keep believing that, with our fans behind us, we can do it.” His players are equally motivated, with Rolando Mandragora stating, “The recent lost finals are an extra motivation. But everything starts tomorrow. We are playing in front of our people and we believe in the comeback.”
On the other side, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini expressed his team’s intent to attack, saying, “We’ll go to Florence not to sit on our goal but to take the game on again and try to win.” Pellegrini has a strong squad to choose from, with Antony, Isco, and Giovani Lo Celso supporting Cedric Bakambu in attack. Despite missing key players like Marc Roca and Diego Llorente, Betis is well-equipped to handle the pressure.
The first leg’s result means that a Fiorentina victory by a single goal would force extra time, and potentially penalties, adding to the tension of this decisive fixture. The atmosphere at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is expected to be electric, with Fiorentina fans eager to see their team fight for a place in the final.
As the match draws closer, the anticipation builds. Fiorentina’s lineup features David de Gea in goal, protected by a back three of Luca Ranieri, Comuzzo, and Pongračić. The midfield is bolstered by Gosens, Fagioli, Adli, Mandragora, and Dodo, while Gudmundsson and Kean lead the attack.
Real Betis will counter with a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring goalkeeper Vieites, a defense led by Bartra and Ricardo Rodriguez, and a midfield that includes Lo Celso and Cardoso. The attacking quartet of Fornals, Isco, Antony, and Bakambu will be looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Fiorentina.
Fiorentina’s recent form has been mixed, having lost to Roma in Serie A just days before this crucial clash. However, their determination to succeed in Europe remains strong. With the added motivation of their previous finals and the support of their home crowd, they are poised to give their all in pursuit of a comeback.
On the other hand, Real Betis enters the match with confidence, having displayed resilience and skill throughout their recent fixtures. The Spanish side's players are eager to make their mark in this historic semi-final, with Antony expressing his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Winning a title in a Betis shirt would be a dream. I feel very happy to play in a semi-final, I am physically and mentally ready for it.”
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where Fiorentina will need to harness the energy of their fans and channel it into a performance that can overturn the first leg's deficit. With both teams vying for a place in the final, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with drama and intensity.
Fans around the world can follow the action live, with various streaming options available. In the United States, the match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and ViX, while UK viewers can catch it on TNT Sports 4. Canadian fans will need a DAZN subscription, and those in Australia can watch on Stan Sport.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation mounts. Will Fiorentina rise to the occasion and secure their place in the final, or will Real Betis continue their fairytale run in this tournament? One thing is certain: the stage is set for an unforgettable night of football.
