The stage is set for an electrifying night at the Benito Villamarín as Real Betis prepares to face ACF Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinal. Scheduled for May 1, 2025, at 21:00 CET, this match marks a historic moment for the Spanish side, who are looking to make their mark in European competition.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, enters this clash after eliminating Polish side Bialystok in the quarterfinals. Their journey has been a rollercoaster, having finished in the 15th position during the group stage but now finding themselves in the semifinals. Currently, they sit sixth in LaLiga, vying for a top-five finish that would secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
On the other hand, Fiorentina, under Raffaele Palladino, aims for their third consecutive final in the Conference League. The Italian team boasts a strong pedigree, having reached the finals in the last two editions, only to fall short against West Ham in 2023 and Olympiakos in 2024. They come into this match in formidable form, remaining unbeaten in their last nine outings across all competitions.
Isco, the standout player for Betis, is set to start behind the attacking duo of Rodríguez and Bakambu. The former Real Madrid star has been instrumental this season, contributing 11 goals and 7 assists so far. "I'm in a second youth. I'm very grateful. I wish I had come to Betis a few years earlier to enjoy this wonderful club more," Isco remarked during a pre-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "It will be an important day in our stadium, with 60,000 people who give their all for us."
Despite their strong lineup, Betis will be without key players due to injuries. Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, and Chimy Ávila will miss the match, while William Carvalho and Cucho Hernández are not registered for the competition. The probable lineup for Betis includes Vieites in goal; Aitor, Bartra, Natan, and Ricardo in defense; Johnny Cardoso and Fornals in midfield; with Isco, Antony, and Jesús supporting Bakambu up front.
Fiorentina's squad also faces challenges as they prepare for this crucial match. Moise Kean, who has netted 23 goals this season, is a question mark due to personal issues that saw him return from France just days ago. The team will rely on the experience of goalkeeper David de Gea, who has regained his form after his time at Manchester United. The probable lineup for Fiorentina features De Gea; Pongracic, Comuzzo, and Ranieri in defense; Mandragora, Cataldi, and Fagioli in midfield; with Gudmundsson and either Kean or Beltrán leading the attack.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere in Seville is electric. The local authorities have organized a special transport plan, increasing bus services to accommodate the expected crowd. Tussam will provide 24 additional buses on various lines, ensuring fans can reach the stadium easily. Furthermore, 21 operators and 9 vehicles from Lipasam will work to keep the area clean before and after the match.
Head coach Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the challenge Fiorentina presents. "It's important to stay focused and commit the fewest errors possible. This is a very even matchup and will be decided by small details," he cautioned. Pellegrini aims to maintain a control-oriented style of play, leveraging Isco's abilities to dictate the tempo and create opportunities.
The stakes are high for both teams as they vie for a spot in the final. With the second leg scheduled for next Thursday at the Franchi stadium, this first encounter will set the tone for the tie. Betis is determined to capitalize on their home advantage, while Fiorentina seeks to assert their dominance in a competition they know all too well.
Fans can catch the action live on Sky, Sky Go, NOW, and for those without subscriptions, the match will also be available on TV8. As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams are ready to leave everything on the pitch, knowing that only two matches stand between them and a chance at glory in the Conference League.
