Real Betis edge past Fiorentina to secure UEFA Conference League advantage
SEVILLA, SPAIN - MAY 01: Manuel Pellegrini, head coach of Real Betis, gestures during the UEFA Europa Conference League Semi Final First Leg, football match played between Real Betis and ACF Fiorentina at Benito Villamarin stadium on May 1, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain.
Real Betis will take a lead into next week’s UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Fiorentina after winning 2-1 in the first leg at the Benito Villamarin.
Manuel Pellegrini raised eyebrows with his decision to start Ez Abde ahead of Jesus Rodriguez, but it was one that paid off inside six minutes.
The Moroccan winger collected the ball from Cedric Bakambu before finding the back of the net, sparking jubilant scenes early on among the home supporters.
Both teams had chances to score prior to the half time inte...