Real Betis Reach Historic European Final After Extra-Time Winner Against Fiorentina

Abde Ezzalzouli fired Real Betis into their first major European final with a dramatic extra-time winner, capping a resilient performance against Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals. The Spanish side held a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Seville, and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in Florence sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory to send them through.

The decisive goal came deep in extra time, the result of a rapid counter-attack. Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, surged down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the path of Ezzalzouli. The Moroccan international met the ball with a thunderous finish, blasting past David de Gea and silencing the home crowd.

It was a night of redemption and determination for Real Betis, who were forced to dig deep after surrendering their aggregate lead late in the first half. But before that, it was Antony who set the tone. The 24-year-old opened the scoring on the night with a sublime free-kick on the half-hour mark, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner to give the visitors an early advantage.

That goal appeared to deflate Fiorentina momentarily, but the Italian side, twice finalists in this competition, rallied just before half-time. Midfielder Robin Gosens emerged as their hero, scoring twice in quick succession to flip the momentum and level the tie on aggregate.

Both of Gosens’ goals came from near-identical situations. Twice he made perfectly timed runs to the front post, heading home with precision and power. The first was a deft glancing effort that nestled in the far corner, while the second was a powerful header that rocketed into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Fran Vieites with no chance.

At 2-1 up on the night and 3-3 on aggregate, Fiorentina looked poised to push through. But the second half saw the visitors slowly regain control. While Betis didn’t create many clear-cut chances, they remained composed, defended resolutely, and gradually wore down their tiring hosts.

Antony’s extra-time cross sent Real Betis to their first European final.

As extra time loomed, both teams seemed wary of making a costly mistake. But Betis found one final moment of brilliance. Antony’s breakaway and Ezzalzouli’s emphatic finish proved to be the difference, ending Fiorentina’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive Conference League final.

Veteran playmaker Isco had an opportunity to seal the match minutes later after finding space at the edge of the box, but his effort flew just over the bar. Still, Betis saw out the remaining minutes with disciplined defending, surviving a late Fiorentina surge that included a series of crosses and corners.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have now written a new chapter in the club’s history by reaching their first major European final. It is a remarkable achievement for the Andalusian side, who will now face Chelsea in the final at Stadion Wrocław on Wednesday, 28 May.

Chelsea booked their place in the final with a comfortable aggregate win over Djurgarden. Enzo Maresca’s team secured a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge to complete a dominant 5-1 aggregate triumph over the Swedish outfit.

For Real Betis, the final represents a chance to crown a memorable European campaign with silverware. It is also a testament to Pellegrini’s steady leadership and the team’s collective spirit. Their journey has combined grit, flair, and timely individual brilliance — none more evident than in Antony’s inspired display and Ezzalzouli’s match-winning strike.

As they prepare for their clash with Chelsea, Betis will know they’re 90 minutes away from the greatest night in the club’s modern history — a first-ever European trophy and a legacy-defining moment for players and fans alike.