Fiorentina vs Real Betis: UEFA Conference League Semi-Final Second Leg Preview, Where to Watch, Predicted Line-Ups, Team News.Florence, May 8, 2025: Fiorentina host Real Betis at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final, with a place in the final on May 28 in Wroclaw, Poland, at stake. Real Betis hold a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg, thanks to goals from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Antony, despite a late reply from Fiorentina’s Luca Ranieri.
La Viola, aiming for their third consecutive Conference League final, face a formidable challenge against a confident Betis side bidding to become the first Spanish club to reach the competition’s final. This preview covers where to watch the match, predicted line-ups, team news, form guides, expert predictions, and insights from both camps, providing a comprehensive look at this high-stakes encounter.
Where to Watch The Fiorentina vs Real Betis match kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT, 3:00 PM EDT) on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy. Fans can catch the action through various broadcast partners depending on their region: · United Kingdom: The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 4, with coverage starting at 19:30 GMT. Streaming is available via the discovery+ app for subscribers. · United States: Paramount+ and ViX will stream the game live, with kick-off at 3:00 PM EDT. A subscription to Paramount+ costs $7.99/month, while ViX offers free access to select matches with a premium option for ad-free viewing. · Italy: Sky Sport Italia will broadcast the match live, with streaming available on Sky Go and NOW TV. Coverage begins at 20:30 CET. · Spain: Movistar+ will air the game, with streaming on the Movistar+ app. Coverage starts at 20:30 CET. 
· Global Broadcast Partners: Fans worldwide can find their local UEFA Conference League broadcast partners on UEFA’s official website (uefa.com). Options include DAZN in select regions, beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa, and ESPN in Latin America. For those unable to watch live, UEFA’s official website and YouTube channel will provide post-match highlights, including key moments like goals and major incidents. Radio coverage is available on BBC Radio 5 Live in the UK and SiriusXM in the US for listeners on the go.
Match Context and Stakes Fiorentina, nicknamed La Viola, are Conference League veterans, having reached the final in 2023 (losing 2-1 to West Ham) and 2024 (losing 1-0 to Olympiacos). With a historical record of six UEFA competition finals from nine semi-final ties, they are determined to secure a seventh final appearance and finally claim the title. However, their 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Seville puts them in a precarious position. Luca Ranieri’s 72nd-minute goal keeps them in contention, but they must overturn the deficit at home, where they are unbeaten in their last 13 Conference League matches (10 wins, 3 draws). 
Real Betis, known as Los Verdiblancos, are in uncharted territory, competing in their first-ever UEFA semi-final. Their 2-1 victory in the first leg, driven by Ezzalzouli’s early strike and Antony’s stunning volley, gives them a slight edge. A draw or win in Florence will see them become the first Spanish club to reach a Conference League final, a historic milestone for a club with no European titles. Betis have been prolific in attack, scoring in each of their last five Conference League games and netting the opening goal in 11 of their last 12 matches in the competition. The winner will face Chelsea, who secured a 5-1 aggregate victory over Djurgårdens IF in the other semi-final, in the final. For Fiorentina, a win would keep their European dreams alive and secure a UEFA Europa League spot for 2025/26. For Betis, it’s a chance to etch their name in European football history and boost their campaign for a Champions League spot in La Liga, where they currently sit fifth.
Team News Fiorentina Fiorentina are grappling with injuries and suspensions but remain optimistic about their chances at home. Manager Raffaele Palladino, who has rotated his squad to balance Serie A and European commitments, will need to rally his players after a 1-0 loss to Roma on May 4, which dented their European qualification hopes in the league (currently 8th in Serie A). · Injuries: Right-back Dodô, who played in the first leg just 13 days after appendix surgery, is sidelined with a muscle strain sustained in Seville. Midfielder Edoardo Bove is also out with a knee injury. · Suspensions: Winger Nicolo Zaniolo is suspended after receiving a red card against Roma, ruling him out of the match. · Doubts: Midfielder Danilo Cataldi, who was substituted after 29 minutes in the first leg due to a knock, is doubtful but could feature if he passes a late fitness test. · Ineligible: Defenders Pablo Mari and Cher Ndour are not registered for the Conference League, limiting Palladino’s defensive options. · Key Returns: Striker Moise Kean, back from a minor injury, is expected to start after two recent substitute appearances. His seven Serie A goals this season make him a focal point in attack. Palladino is likely to rely on the experience of goalkeeper David De Gea, formerly of Manchester United, and the versatility of wing-back Robin Gosens, whose assist in the first leg highlighted his attacking threat. Albert Gudmundsson, with five Conference League goals this season, will be crucial in breaking down Betis’s defense.
Real Betis
Real Betis are in high spirits after a 2-1 comeback win against Espanyol in La Liga on May 4, with Giovani Lo Celso and Antony scoring late goals. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has a near-fully fit squad, with the exception of one key absence, and his team’s attacking form—averaging 2.6 goals per game in the Conference League—makes them a dangerous proposition.
· Injuries: Midfielder Sergi Altimira is doubtful with a hamstring issue but could make the bench if he recovers in time. No other major injuries have been reported.
· Suspensions: None. Pellegrini has a clean bill of health in terms of disciplinary issues.
· Key Players: Antony, on loan from Manchester United, is in scintillating form, with seven goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. His stunning volley in the first leg and a free-kick goal in the second leg have made him a talisman for Betis.
· Notable Performers: Isco, the former Real Madrid playmaker, has been instrumental with his creativity, registering three assists in the Conference League. Striker Cedric Bakambu, with eight goal contributions in his last six European matches, is another danger man.
· USMNT Watch: Midfielder Johnny Cardoso, a regular starter, will be pivotal in shielding the defense. His role in Betis’s midfield has earned him praise, and he’s expected to start against Fiorentina.
Pellegrini’s decision to start Antony, Isco, and Ezzalzouli in attack paid dividends in the first leg, and he’s unlikely to deviate from this formula. The return of Natan, the ex-Napoli defender, has bolstered their backline, which has conceded just 1.0 goals per game in the competition.
Predicted Line-Ups
Fiorentina (3-5-2)
· Goalkeeper: David De Gea
· Defenders: Marin Pongračić, Pietro Comuzzo, Luca Ranieri
· Midfielders: Michael Folorunsho (RWB), Rolando Mandragora, Yacine Adli, Nicolo Fagioli, Fabiano Parisi (LWB)
· Forwards: Albert Gudmundsson, Moise Kean
· Substitutes: Pietro Terracciano, Luca Martinelli, Lucas Beltran, Andrea Colpani, Jonathan Moreno, Michael Richardson, Matias Caprini, Nicolo Zaniolo (suspended), Filippo Parisi, Michael Folorunsho
· Notes: Palladino opts for a 3-5-2 to maximize width through wing-backs Parisi and Folorunsho, with Fagioli replacing the doubtful Cataldi in midfield. Kean and Gudmundsson lead the attack, aiming to exploit Betis’s high defensive line.
Real Betis (4-2-3-1)
· Goalkeeper: Fran Vieites
· Defenders: Aitor Ruibal, Marc Bartra, Natan, Romain Perraud
· Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso, Isco
· Attacking Midfielders: Antony, Pablo Fornals, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
· Forward: Cedric Bakambu
· Substitutes: Adrian, German Garcia, Hector Bellerin, Abde Ezzalzouli, Romain Perraud, Sergi Altimira (doubtful), Aitor Ruibal, Nobel Mendy, Jesus Rodriguez, Pablo Garcia
· Notes: Pellegrini sticks with the 4-2-3-1 that worked in the first leg, with Antony, Isco, and Ezzalzouli supporting Bakambu. Cardoso anchors the midfield alongside Isco, allowing Fornals to drift centrally.
Form Guide
Fiorentina
· Form: LLWWDD (all competitions, most recent first)
· Latest Result: Roma 1-0 Fiorentina (Serie A, May 4, 2025)
· Conference League Stats: Fiorentina have scored 28 goals in the competition this season, second only to Chelsea’s 37, but managed just two shots on target in the first leg. They are unbeaten in their last 13 home games in the Conference League (10W, 3D) and have won three of their last five matches across all competitions. Average goals per game: 1.4 scored, 1.6 conceded.
· Analysis: Fiorentina’s recent back-to-back losses have dented their confidence, but their strong home record at the Artemio Franchi—where they’ve lost only one of their last 11 games across all competitions—offers hope. Palladino’s side must improve their finishing, as their seven shots in the first leg were the lowest in the competition this season.
Real Betis
· Form: WWWWDL (all competitions, most recent first)
· Latest Result: Espanyol 1-2 Real Betis (La Liga, May 4, 2025)
· Conference League Stats: Betis have lost only two of their last 12 Conference League matches and have scored in each of their last five, netting 11 goals. They’ve opened the scoring in 11 of their last 12 games in the competition. Average goals per game: 2.6 scored, 1.0 conceded.
· Analysis: Betis are in scintillating form, winning four of their last five matches, including a comeback against Espanyol. Their attacking trio of Antony, Isco, and Bakambu has been lethal, while their defense, led by Natan, has been solid. Their unbeaten run in five away games (3W, 2D) makes them a tough opponent in Florence.
Match Dynamics and Tactical Preview
Fiorentina’s 3-5-2 formation is designed to dominate possession and exploit the flanks through wing-backs Parisi and Folorunsho. Palladino will likely instruct his midfield trio of Mandragora, Adli, and Fagioli to press high, targeting Betis’s build-up play through Isco and Cardoso.
The attacking duo of Kean and Gudmundsson will aim to stretch Betis’s defense, particularly targeting Aitor Ruibal, who made a costly error in the first leg. However, Fiorentina’s injury concerns, particularly Dodô’s absence, could limit their width on the right, forcing Folorunsho to adapt to an unfamiliar role.
Real Betis’s 4-2-3-1 allows for fluidity in attack, with Antony and Ezzalzouli drifting wide to create overloads, while Isco operates as a playmaker behind Bakambu. Cardoso’s defensive discipline will be crucial in neutralizing Fiorentina’s midfield, allowing Fornals to exploit gaps on the counter.
Pellegrini’s strategy will likely involve absorbing pressure and hitting Fiorentina on the break, as evidenced by their 2.0 expected goals (xG) in the first leg compared to Fiorentina’s 1.05. Betis’s ability to score early, as they’ve done in 11 of their last 12 Conference League games, could force Fiorentina to chase the game, leaving them vulnerable to counters. 
The battle between Antony and Fiorentina’s defense will be pivotal. The Brazilian winger, revitalized since his loan move from Manchester United, has been a revelation, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 20 appearances. His stunning free-kick in the second leg and assist for Ezzalzouli’s equalizer showcased his match-winning quality. Fiorentina’s back three of Pongračić, Comuzzo, and Ranieri must contain him, while De Gea faces the challenge of keeping out Betis’s potent attack, having been beaten by Antony in both legs.
Expert Prediction
Fabio Balaudo, UEFA match reporter, predicts a tightly contested match: “Fiorentina and Real Betis go into Thursday’s clash in diametrically opposed moods: the home side were beaten by Roma at the weekend and saw their chances of qualifying for European competition next season plummet, while Pellegrini’s team overcame Espanyol in a stunning comeback to confirm they are still in the running for Champions League qualification.
The Viola are aiming for a third straight appearance in the final, but to get to Wroclaw they will have to overturn the 2-1 defeat in the first leg: no easy task against a Betis outfit that are in excellent form and can count on a truly inspired Antony.” Balaudo leans toward Betis advancing, citing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, but acknowledges Fiorentina’s home advantage could make it close.
Football Whispers offers a betting perspective, noting Fiorentina as favorites with a 45.5% implied probability of winning in regulation time. However, they predict a high-scoring affair, with both teams likely to score, given Betis’s attacking output and Fiorentina’s need to chase the game. A 2-1 Fiorentina win on the night, leading to extra time, is a plausible outcome, but Betis’s counterattacking threat could see them nick a goal to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Views from the Camps
Fiorentina
· Raffaele Palladino, Coach: “Together with our fans, we will try to give everything to take Fiorentina to the final. We have studied the first leg, which was a great match against a strong team. We must, and can, do better technically, and we can cause them problems. The team is charged, and the fans will give us extra.” Palladino’s focus on technical improvement suggests a plan to sharpen their finishing, which was lacking in Seville.
· Rolando Mandragora, Midfielder: “The recent lost finals are an extra motivation. But everything starts tomorrow. We are playing in front of our people and we believe in the comeback. Everything depends on our desire to win, on our hunger. We will have a lot of it. We hope to take Fiorentina to the final and to have a different outcome this time around.” Mandragora’s comments reflect the team’s determination to end their Conference League final curse.
Real Betis · Manuel Pellegrini, Coach: “I see a team in great shape. We’re very excited to finish the tie strongly. We’re confident that we can play a great game here. The most important thing is that we go out with the conviction to win the game from the first minute.” Pellegrini’s proactive approach indicates Betis will not sit back to defend their lead, aiming to score early as they’ve done consistently. 
· Antony, Forward: “Winning a title in a Betis shirt would be a dream, I’m looking forward to writing my name in Betis’ history. I feel very happy to play in a semi-final, I am physically and mentally ready for it. I am experiencing one of the best moments of my career here.” Antony’s confidence underscores his pivotal role in Betis’s campaign, with his form making him a player to watch.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head Fiorentina and Real Betis have faced each other three times in competitive matches, with Betis holding a slight edge: two wins to Fiorentina’s one, with no draws. The first leg on May 1, 2025, saw Betis triumph 2-1, with Ezzalzouli and Antony outshining Fiorentina’s late response. Their only other encounter was a 2023 friendly, which Fiorentina won 3-1. 
Fiorentina’s Conference League pedigree is unmatched, with 28 goals in the competition this season and a strong home record. However, their inability to convert chances in the first leg (seven shots, two on target) raises concerns. Betis, meanwhile, have been clinical, with an xG of 2.0 in the first leg and a knack for scoring early. The second leg’s outcome may hinge on whether Fiorentina can rediscover their scoring form or if Betis’s counterattacking prowess proves decisive.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Antony vs David De Gea: Antony’s stunning goals against his former Manchester United teammate De Gea in both legs have given Betis the edge. De Gea, one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, must neutralize Antony’s flair to keep Fiorentina in the tie.
2. Robin Gosens vs Aitor Ruibal: Gosens’s assist in the first leg exposed Ruibal’s defensive lapse. The German wing-back’s attacking runs could stretch Betis’s right flank, but Ruibal’s recovery pace will be key in containing him.
3. Isco vs Yacine Adli: Isco’s playmaking has been central to Betis’s success, with three assists in the competition. Adli, Fiorentina’s creative hub, must match Isco’s influence while disrupting his rhythm through pressing.
Fan Sentiment and Atmosphere Fiorentina fans, known for their passionate support, are expected to create a raucous atmosphere at the Artemio Franchi, with over 40,000 supporters anticipated. Posts on X highlight the “family atmosphere” in Florence, with fans rallying behind the team to overturn the deficit. One user wrote, “Fiorentina’s home record is unreal in the Conference League. With the fans behind them, they can do this!” 
Betis supporters, while fewer in number, are buoyed by their team’s historic run. A post on X from a Betis fan account declared, “Antony’s on fire, Isco’s pulling strings, and we’re going to the final! #DíaDeBetis.” The minute of silence observed for the late Pope Francis in the first leg added an emotional layer to the tie, and both sets of fans are expected to honor the occasion respectfully.
The Fiorentina vs Real Betis UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing distinct strengths to the table. Fiorentina’s home invincibility and European pedigree make them a formidable force, but injuries and recent losses could hinder their comeback bid. Real Betis, riding a wave of confidence and led by an inspired Antony, have the attacking firepower and tactical discipline to secure a historic final berth. With the match poised on a knife-edge, the outcome will depend on Fiorentina’s ability to convert chances and Betis’s knack for clinical counterattacks. Fans can tune in via TNT Sports 4 (UK), Paramount+ (US), or other regional broadcasters, with highlights available on UEFA’s platforms. As the Artemio Franchi prepares to erupt, this clash will determine who faces Chelsea in the final, with both teams hungry to make history.
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