Antony Finds the Net Once More as Real Betis Claims Narrow First-Leg Victory Over Fiorentina in Semi-Final Clash

Real Betis will head to Florence with a slender advantage for the second leg of their closely contested UEFA Conference League (UECL) semi-final, having secured a 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in Seville.

Betis are known for their fast starts in this competition, scoring first in 10 of their last 11 UECL matches prior to this encounter, yet the Italians were taken by surprise by the intensity of Los Verdiblancos’ initial assault.

A long, bouncing ball found Cedric Bakambu, who overpowered Pietro Comuzzo and squared the ball for a simple tap-in for Abde Ezzalzouli.

However, the Moroccan struck the underside of the crossbar from just outside six yards, and due to some complications with goal-line technology, there followed a tense wait before referee Michael Oliver confirmed that Betis had indeed opened the scoring on yet another memorable European night.

Amidst a deafening atmosphere echoing around the packed Estadio Benito Villamarín, Fiorentina risked being overwhelmed, with Isco nearly adding a second, his curling shot just missing the target past David de Gea.

Gradually, Raffaele Palladino’s side began to find their feet, with Rolando Mandragora coming close for the Viola as he directed a header just wide. Right before half-time, Marc Bartra had a golden chance to extend Betis’ lead but shot over from 12 yards after Fiorentina failed to clear a corner.

Following the break, the arrival of Moise Kean instilled optimism in the travelling supporters, but it was Albert Gudmundsson who almost made an immediate impact, only to be thwarted by the advancing Fran Vieites as he charged towards goal.

Not to be outdone, de Gea delivered a stunning save shortly after, stretching to his left to deny Bartra’s header, which had gone unchecked.

As play seemed to lose its rhythm, Antony produced a moment of brilliance, driving a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the area, seemingly putting Betis in a comfortable position.

With the Villamarin once again buzzing, Pablo Fornals squandered a chance to finish off a move that initiated from the impressive Isco, with the former West Ham player only managing a weak effort. This missed opportunity proved pivotal, as just a minute later, Fiorentina found a lifeline when Gosens’ pullback was rifled home by captain Luca Ranieri, setting the stage for an exciting second leg in Florence next week.

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