On May 2, 2025, Real Betis achieved a thrilling 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) semi-finals, held at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain. The match showcased the brilliance of Brazilian forward Antoni, who scored a crucial goal that solidified Betis's position as they aim for a spot in the finals.
Betis started the match strong, with Álex Collado netting the opening goal just six minutes into the game. The early lead set the tone for Betis, who have been in excellent form recently, having lost only once in their last 14 matches. The home crowd erupted in cheers as their team took control of the game.
As the match progressed, Fiorentina struggled to find their rhythm, facing relentless pressure from Betis. In the second half, Antoni further extended Betis's lead by scoring in the 64th minute. After a powerful run and a blocked attempt near the penalty area, he unleashed a second shot that found the back of the net, demonstrating his confidence and remarkable finishing ability. Notably, Antoni scored with his right foot, showcasing his versatility as a player.
Despite Betis's dominance, Fiorentina managed to respond with a goal from Luca Ranieri in the 72nd minute, assisted by Robin Gosens. This goal provided a glimmer of hope for the Italian side, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. Betis held firm, focusing on their defensive duties to secure a valuable home win.
Antoni's performance was particularly impressive, as he recorded three shots, one successful dribble, and a remarkable 90% pass success rate. His contributions earned him a match-high rating of 8.0 from the football statistics outlet FotMob. Since joining Betis on loan from Manchester United in January 2025, Antoni has made a significant impact, tallying three goals and two assists in just 12 league matches.
Real Betis currently sits sixth in the league standings with 54 points, making them a contender for a spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The team's success in the UECL has further fueled their ambitions, with a second leg against Fiorentina scheduled for May 9, 2025. If they can maintain their lead, Betis will secure a place in the finals of the competition.
In the lead-up to this crucial match, tensions flared between fans of both teams. Reports surfaced of violent clashes between the ultras of Real Betis and Fiorentina in Alameda de Ercules Square. These incidents occurred just hours before the game, casting a shadow over the excitement surrounding the match. While the majority of fans celebrated the sport, a small minority engaged in unsportsmanlike behavior that tarnished the image of football in Seville.
Amidst this backdrop, Isco, the captain of Real Betis, addressed the media, expressing his gratitude for the club and its supporters. He stated, "I wish I had come here a few years earlier to enjoy this amazing club and its incredible fans even more. I hope we can win important matches and continue to grow together as a club and as individuals." Isco's comments were reportedly misquoted by some media outlets, leading to a backlash against the journalism practices that misrepresented his statements.
As the excitement builds for the second leg of the semi-finals, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an intense battle. Fiorentina, having suffered their first defeat in nine matches, will need to regroup and deliver a strong performance at home in the Artemio Franchi Stadium. The pressure is on them to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, the other team in the semi-finals, has already taken a commanding lead against Djurgardens IF, winning 4-1 in their first leg. This sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the UECL semi-finals, with both matches likely to draw significant attention from fans across Europe.
In summary, Real Betis's victory against Fiorentina is a significant step towards their goal of reaching the European final for the first time. With Antoni's stellar performance and the team's strong form, they are well-positioned for success. However, the looming second leg and the challenges posed by Fiorentina will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the tournament progresses.
