Real Betis have etched their name into European football history by reaching their first-ever continental final after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals. The second leg, played in a charged atmosphere at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, ended 2-2 on the night, but it was the Spanish side who held their nerve in extra time to secure a historic breakthrough.
Coming into the match with a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg in Seville, Betis knew the tie was far from over. But they wasted no time in asserting themselves. In the 30th minute, Brazilian winger Antony, who has been in red-hot form, opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick. Placing the ball just outside the box, he bent it past David De Gea and in off the post. The goal gave Betis a two-goal cushion on aggregate and silenced the home crowd—at least momentarily.
However, Fiorentina have not reached back-to-back Conference League finals by chance, and their resilience shone through. Within minutes, they struck back through set pieces. First, a pinpoint delivery from Rolando Mandragora in the 34th minute found Robin Gosens, who made a darting run to the near post and glanced a header into the far corner. The crowd roared as Fiorentina pulled one back. And then, just eight minutes later, from the opposite corner, Yacine Adli delivered an equally dangerous ball and once again Gosens rose above everyone to power a header home. Suddenly, it was 2-2 on aggregate, and the tie had exploded into life.
The remainder of the second half was a tense and tactical affair. Fiorentina pushed to complete the comeback while Betis looked to regain control. Isco rattled the crossbar with a brilliant effort, and Comuzzo nearly scored for the hosts with a looping header that was saved on the line by Natan. As full time approached, Antony continued to torment the Fiorentina backline. In stoppage time, he shrugged off Gosens and set up Bakambu with a low cross, but De Gea came up big with a crucial save that left the striker clutching his leg in frustration. Moments later, the Spanish keeper made a double save to deny Cardoso, keeping Fiorentina alive as the match headed into extra time.
With both teams running on fumes, it took just seven minutes of extra time for the decisive moment to arrive. Once again, it was Antony with the spark. Skipping past his marker on the right, he delivered a perfectly weighted low cross across the face of goal. Substitute Abde Ezzalzouli timed his run to perfection and tapped home from close range. It was a huge goal that put Betis ahead 4-3 on aggregate and left Fiorentina chasing the game once more.
Ezzalzouli could have added another just moments later when he struck the post with a fierce left-footed drive. Then came another golden chance for Betis to seal the tie when substitute Garcia squared the ball to Isco in the box, only for the Spanish veteran to fire over with the goal at his mercy. The missed chances made for a nervy final few minutes, but Betis stood tall. Their backline, led by Bartra and Natan, absorbed the late pressure, while goalkeeper Fran Vieites held his ground when called upon.
In terms of statistics, Betis slightly edged the match in expected goals (xG), creating 2.69 compared to Fiorentina’s 1.89. The numbers reflected a contest of fine margins, but ultimately, the Spanish side were more clinical when it mattered.
This victory marks a seismic moment for Real Betis. Long overshadowed by city rivals Sevilla in European competition, they now have a chance to claim silverware on the continental stage. For manager Manuel Pellegrini, it is a testament to his leadership and the balance he has struck in his squad—blending youth, experience, flair, and grit.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, will be left to rue missed opportunities. After coming so close to a third consecutive Conference League final, they exit the competition with nothing to show for their spirited campaign. Gosens’ brace will be remembered, as will De Gea’s heroic saves, but the tie ultimately slipped through their fingers.
This was more than a semi-final. It was a statement. Real Betis are no longer just European hopefuls—they are contenders. In a tie filled with drama, technical brilliance, and emotional swings, they found the resilience to outlast a seasoned European side.
Now, with Chelsea awaiting in the final, one dream remains.
Can Betis finish the fairytale and lift their first European trophy?
