Real Betis is on the brink of reaching a European final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Johnny Cardoso played a crucial role, completing the full 90 minutes and contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
The match, held at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, saw Real Betis take an early lead with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli scoring just six minutes into the game. Ezzalzouli's goal came after a well-placed cross from Cédric Bakambu, who has been instrumental for Betis with eight goal contributions in his last six Conference League matches. The ball appeared to bounce off the crossbar before confirming it crossed the goal line, necessitating a VAR check.
Despite the early advantage, Betis struggled to maintain their intensity, allowing Fiorentina to grow into the game. However, they regained control in the second half. In the 64th minute, Antony, on loan from Manchester United, doubled the lead with a spectacular right-footed volley from the edge of the box. His shot had an expected goals figure of just 0.04, showcasing the brilliance of the strike.
Fiorentina responded with a goal of their own in the 72nd minute, as Luca Ranieri capitalized on a defensive error to pull one back. Ranieri was set up by Robin Gosens, who managed to evade the Betis defense. This goal reignited hope for the visitors, who were looking to overturn a narrow deficit in the second leg set for May 8 in Florence.
Statistically, Real Betis dominated the match with an overall expected goals (xG) of 2.0 compared to Fiorentina’s 1.05. They also managed to score in each of their last five Conference League games, netting a total of 11 goals during this run.
Cardoso's performance was noteworthy; he won four duels, completed 98% of his passes, and made four defensive recoveries throughout the match. This has brought his total appearances for the season to 40, highlighting his importance to the squad as they aim for European glory.
After the match, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini praised his team’s efforts, stating, “We showed great character and determination. It’s only half-time, but we’re in a good position.” Meanwhile, Fiorentina will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their Serie A clash against AS Roma on May 4, which could further impact their morale ahead of the second leg.
Fiorentina, who were runners-up in the last two editions of the Conference League, will be looking to leverage their home advantage in the return fixture. Their captain Ranieri emphasized the need for a strong response, stating, “We have the quality to turn this around. We need to be aggressive and take our chances.”
As the excitement builds for the second leg, both teams will be keen to refine their strategies. Real Betis will also have a La Liga match against Espanyol on May 4, which could serve as a crucial warm-up before their European encounter.
The stakes are high, and the atmosphere in Florence is expected to be electric as Fiorentina seeks redemption against a resilient Betis side. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the home team can overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final against Chelsea, who comfortably defeated Djurgården 4-1 in their semifinal first leg.
In conclusion, the first leg of this semifinal has set the stage for an exciting return match, with both teams possessing the talent to influence the outcome. The upcoming clash in Florence promises to be a thrilling encounter, and all eyes will be on the pitch as these two teams battle for a coveted spot in the European final.
