In a pulsating encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025, Real Betis secured their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, culminating in a 2-2 draw in the second leg that extended into extra time. The Spanish side, buoyed by a sensational performance from former Manchester United winger Antony, showcased resilience and attacking flair to overcome a spirited Fiorentina outfit desperate to reach their third consecutive Conference League final.
The match began with high intensity, as Fiorentina, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, sought to overturn the deficit on their home turf. The Viola, backed by a fervent Florence crowd, started brightly, with Moise Kean testing Betis goalkeeper Fran Vieites early on. However, it was Real Betis who struck first, capitalizing on a moment of brilliance from Antony. In the 25th minute, the Brazilian curled a stunning free-kick from 35 yards that crashed off the post and past David de Gea, silencing the home fans and extending Betis’ aggregate lead. The goal, a testament to Antony’s rediscovered form, set the tone for a first half dominated by the visitors’ incisive counterattacks.
Fiorentina responded with vigor, equalizing just before halftime through Robin Gosens, who latched onto a precise cross from Albert Gudmundsson to head home emphatically. The goal reignited the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and the momentum swung in Fiorentina’s favor. Early in the second half, Gosens struck again, converting a penalty after a foul by Betis defender Natan, leveling the score on the night and bringing the aggregate tally to 3-3. The Viola’s resurgence was palpable, with Kean and Gudmundsson relentlessly probing Betis’ backline, but Vieites stood firm, denying a close-range effort from Kean to keep his side in the tie.
As the match ticked into extra time, both teams traded blows in a frenetic atmosphere. Fiorentina’s defense, anchored by Pietro Comuzzo and Marin Pongracic, held firm against Betis’ attacking trio of Isco, Pablo Fornals, and Cedric Bakambu. Yet, it was a moment of tactical genius from Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini that proved decisive. In the 97th minute, substitute Aitor Ruibal delivered a pinpoint pass to Antony, who darted down the right flank before rolling a perfectly weighted ball across the box. Abde Ezzalzouli, unmarked at the back post, swept home to restore Betis’ aggregate lead at 4-3, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters.
Fiorentina threw everything forward in the dying minutes, with substitutes Nicolo Zaniolo and Andrea Colpani adding fresh legs to their attack. A late corner saw de Gea venture forward, but Betis’ defense, marshaled by Marc Bartra, repelled the onslaught. The final whistle confirmed Real Betis’ passage to the final, where they will face Chelsea, who advanced past Djurgården earlier that evening.
For Fiorentina, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to their Conference League campaign. Despite their valiant effort, the Viola could not overcome Betis’ clinical edge and Antony’s inspired performance. Manager Raffaele Palladino praised his team’s spirit, noting, “We fought like a family, but small moments decided it. Florence will always be proud of this team.” Meanwhile, Pellegrini lauded his side’s character, singling out Antony for his transformative impact since joining from Manchester United.