An exhilarating goal from Abde Ezzalzouli propelled Real Betis into their inaugural European final, leaving ACF Fiorentina to nurse their wounds following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time in the UEFA Conference League (UECL) semi-final second leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The match began in a scrappy fashion, but the hosts were quick to create the first real chance when Pietro Comuzzo’s header from a corner was desperately cleared off the line.
This moment foreshadowed the struggles Betis would face in defending corners, yet they managed to take the lead with a stunning goal at the other end.
Antony, looking to score for the third consecutive match, unleashed a powerful free-kick that zoomed past David de Gea, clipped the inside of the post, and nestled into the back of the net.
What initially seemed like a watershed moment quickly faded into normalcy, as Fiorentina refused to crumble in response to Antony’s remarkable strike. La Viola levelled the scores just four minutes later.
Robin Gosens evaded his marker to meet Rolando Mandragora’s fast corner, and his deft header found the back of the net, equalising the match.
Despite Johnny Cardoso striking the crossbar for Betis, the Italians gained momentum, reminiscent of previous encounters.
Once again, Yacine Adli took the corner, and Gosens, moving away from goal, headed the ball past Betis’ goalkeeper Fran Vieites to put Fiorentina ahead.
Betis managed to survive yet another corner scare on the brink of half-time when Moise Kean missed a free header from close range. After regrouping, Betis controlled a tense second half marked by a fierce duel between Luca Ranieri and Antony.
The spirited exchanges between Fiorentina’s captain and Betis’ star striker often turned into heated arguments and minor scuffles.
The second half saw more yellow cards shown than clear quality on display, with five yellows issued within a frenetic 10-minute period. Gosens nearly added another for the home side, but de Gea stepped up with a crucial double save to thwart Betis late on.
As the match swung into extra time, Manuel Pellegrini made a tactical gamble by introducing full-back Aitor Ruibal as a centre-forward. The change proved decisive within seven minutes.
Ruibal controlled a long ball well and played a clever through ball to Antony, who squared it for Ezzalzouli to finish effortlessly.
Following a nerve-wracking conclusion, this goal secured Betis’ spot in the WrocÅ‚aw final against Chelsea later this month.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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