Antony stars as Betis edge past Fiorentina in extra time to reach Europa League final

In a night brimming with drama and history, Real Betis clinched their first-ever European final berth by edging past Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. The 2-2 draw after extra time in Florence secured a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Spanish side, with Antony’s brilliance playing a pivotal role. His stunning free-kick and decisive assist to Abde Ezzalzouli not only highlighted his individual prowess but also underscored Betis’s collective resilience. This landmark achievement sets the stage for a thrilling final against Chelsea on May 28 in Wrocław, Poland

Antony’s Impact: From Manchester to Seville

Antony’s journey from Manchester United to Real Betis has been nothing short of transformative. Since his loan move in January 2025, the Brazilian winger has revitalized his form, becoming a linchpin in Betis’s European campaign. His contributions include

Scoring a crucial goal in the first leg against Fiorentina, giving Betis a 2-1 advantage.
Delivering a mesmerizing free-kick in the second leg, which left former teammate David de Gea rooted to the spot.
Providing the assist for Ezzalzouli’s extra-time winner, showcasing his vision and composure under pressure.

Antony’s resurgence has not only bolstered Betis’s attacking prowess but also reignited discussions about his potential return to top-tier football in England.

Match Analysis: A Tale of Grit and Determination

First Half: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The match commenced with Betis extending their aggregate lead through Antony’s sublime free-kick. However, Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens responded with two headers from set-pieces, flipping the tie in the Italian side’s favor by halftime. The first half was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, with momentum swinging between the two teams.UEFA.com+2Reuters+2Cadena SER+2

Second Half: Tactical Battles and Missed Opportunities

The second half was characterized by tactical adjustments and heightened tensions. Betis’s manager, Manuel Pellegrini, introduced Aitor Ruibal in an unconventional forward role, aiming to disrupt Fiorentina’s defensive structure. Despite Antony’s near-equalizer, denied by De Gea’s double save, the scoreline remained unchanged, pushing the match into extra time.

Extra Time: Sealing the Historic Victory

Pellegrini’s tactical gamble paid off in extra time. Ruibal’s hold-up play facilitated a pass to Antony, who then set up Ezzalzouli for the decisive goal. This sequence not only highlighted the team’s adaptability but also their unwavering determination to etch their names in European football history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the UEFA Conference League final?

A: The final is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at the Stadion Wrocław in Wrocław, Poland

Q: Who will Real Betis face in the final?

A: Betis will compete against Chelsea, who secured their spot by defeating Djurgården with a 5-1 aggregate score.

Q: Has Real Betis ever reached a European final before?

A: No, this marks Real Betis’s first appearance in a European final in their 118-year history.

Q: How has Antony performed since joining Betis?

A: Antony has been instrumental, contributing key goals and assists, including decisive plays in both legs against Fiorentina.

Q: What was the aggregate score between Betis and Fiorentina?

A: The aggregate score was 4-3 in favor of Real Betis.

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Conclusion

Real Betis’s journey to their first European final is a narrative of ambition, resilience, and tactical ingenuity. Antony’s standout performances have been central to this success, reflecting both individual brilliance and seamless integration into the team’s dynamics. As they prepare to face Chelsea, Betis carries the hopes of their supporters and the momentum of a historic campaign. The upcoming final promises to be a captivating encounter, with Betis poised to etch a new chapter in their storied history