As the UEFA Europa League semi-finals unfolded on Thursday, May 8, 2025, fans were treated to a thrilling night of football that saw Real Betis eliminate Fiorentina and secure their place in the final. The match, held at Fiorentina's home ground, ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, allowing Betis to advance with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Betis came into the second leg with a slight advantage after winning the first match 2-1 in Seville. The Italian hosts knew they had an uphill battle ahead of them, but they began the match with determination. The atmosphere was electric, with the home crowd rallying behind their team, hoping to overturn the deficit.
The action kicked off with Betis striking first, as Antony delivered a stunning free-kick that curled over the wall and rattled the post before finding the back of the net in the 30th minute. This goal put Fiorentina in a precarious position, needing at least two goals to progress.
However, the home side responded valiantly. Just four minutes later, Robin Gosen leveled the score for Fiorentina with a powerful header from a corner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Gosen wasn't done yet; he scored again just eight minutes later, outjumping Marc Bartra to head the ball into the top corner, drawing the match level at 2-1 and giving Fiorentina hope.
As the match continued, both teams fought hard, but neither could find the decisive goal in regular time. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, leading to an additional thirty minutes of extra time.
In the dying moments of extra time, it was Abde Ezzalzouli who became the hero for Real Betis. In the 97th minute, he scored the winning goal from a cross by Antony, sealing the deal for Betis and sending them to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, 2025.
Fiorentina's coach expressed disappointment after the match, reflecting on their struggles in recent European competitions. Having lost in the last two Conference League finals, the pressure was mounting on the team to perform better this season. "We had our chances, but we couldn't convert them when it mattered most," he lamented.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued their dominance in European competitions by defeating Djurgården to secure a spot in the Conference League final. With this victory, Chelsea has now won six of their last seven European finals, solidifying their status as London’s premier European trophy hunters.
The match against Djurgården was characterized by Chelsea's commanding performance, with the Swedish side unable to keep pace. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was vibrant, with the visiting fans making their presence felt throughout the match. Chelsea's young star, Reggie Walsh, made history by becoming the youngest player to start a European match for the club at just 16 years old.
Walsh's debut was a highlight for Chelsea, and his manager praised the young talent. "He was fantastic, composed," said Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who also scored a goal in the match, showcasing the club's commitment to developing youth talent.
As Chelsea prepares for their upcoming final against Real Betis, their manager Enzo Maresca emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on their immediate challenge against Newcastle on Sunday, May 11, 2025. "Now, the most important game has become Newcastle," he stated, acknowledging the need to balance their league commitments with their pursuit of European glory.
With the final fast approaching, the excitement is palpable. Chelsea fans are hopeful that their team can add another trophy to their impressive collection, while Real Betis aims to make history as the first Spanish side to win the Conference League.
As the semi-finals concluded, the stage is set for an exhilarating final in Wroclaw. Both teams will be eager to lift the trophy and solidify their legacies in European football.
In conclusion, the UEFA Europa League semi-finals delivered unforgettable moments, with thrilling matches that showcased the passion and talent of European football. As fans eagerly await the final, the anticipation and excitement continue to build.
