In a pulsating UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Real Betis secured a slender 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on May 1, 2025, setting the stage for a dramatic return leg in Florence. The Andalusian side, buoyed by their fervent home support, showcased their attacking flair and resilience, but a late goal from Fiorentina’s captain Luca Ranieri ensured the tie remains finely poised.
The match exploded into life early, with Betis striking first in the sixth minute. Cédric Bakambu’s deft footwork carved open the Fiorentina defense, setting up Abde Ezzalzouli, whose thunderous shot rattled the crossbar before crossing the line, confirmed by goal-line technology. The early goal ignited the Seville crowd, and Betis dominated the opening exchanges, with Isco and Marc Bartra nearly doubling the lead. Fiorentina, caught off guard, struggled to find rhythm, their nine-match unbeaten streak under threat.
Betis’ high-pressing 4-4-2, orchestrated by coach Manuel Pellegrini, stifled Fiorentina’s creative midfielders, with Pablo Fornals and Johnny Cardoso relentless in the engine room. Despite their control, Betis couldn’t convert further chances, with David de Gea pulling off a stunning save to deny Bartra’s powerful header. Fiorentina, leaning on their experience in back-to-back Conference League finals, began to find footing, but their transitions lacked precision.
The game’s defining moment came in the 64th minute when Manchester United loanee Antony, a constant menace, latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a spectacular volley past de Gea, sparking wild celebrations. The 2-0 scoreline reflected Betis’ dominance, but Fiorentina refused to capitulate. The introduction of Moise Kean, returning after missing two games, injected urgency, and in the closing stages, a defensive lapse from Aitor Ruibal allowed Ranieri to head home from a Robin Gosens cross, halving the deficit.
The late goal shifted the momentum, and Fiorentina nearly equalized, with Rolando Mandragora and Nicolò Zaniolo testing Betis’ resolve. Pellegrini’s side held firm, though a missed opportunity by Fornals to make it 3-0 left the door ajar. Isco, instrumental with his vision, and Giovani Lo Celso, who replaced Ezzalzouli, showcased Betis’ depth, but injuries to Lo Celso and Kean caused brief delays, adding to the tension.
Betis’ victory, their first in a European semi-final, underscores their remarkable 2025 form, having lost just once in 13 matches. Fiorentina, despite the defeat, will take heart from their away goal and unbeaten run, with only two losses in the competition by a single goal. The Italian side’s potent attack, averaging 2.7 goals per game in Europe, promises a fierce response at the Artemio Franchi.
Pellegrini, cautious in his post-match comments, emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, “Fiorentina are a strong side with dangerous players. We needed a bigger lead, but we’ll fight in Florence.” His counterpart, Raffaele Palladino, remained optimistic, noting, “The tie is open. At home, with our fans, we can turn this around.”