Real Betis will take a lead in the semi-final second stage of the UEFA Conference League against Fiorentina next week after winning 2-1 in the first stage in the Benito Villamarin.
Match report
Manuel Pellegrini raised eyebrows with his decision to start the EZ Abde for Jesus Rodriguez, but it was one that is fruiting within six minutes. The Moroccan wing player collected the ball from Cedric Bakambu before he found the back of the net, so that jubilant scenes were sustained early among the supporters of the home.
Both teams had opportunities to score before the half -time interval, in which Marc Bartra blown over for Betis, while Rolando Mandragora set off close. But in the 64th minute it was Los Verdiblancos who got the most important second goal, which came from Antony in spectacular style.
After collecting the ball from replacement Giovani Lo Celso, Antony drove the Fiorentina punishment area. His first attempt was blocked, but from 18 meters out, he bowed the second strike in the top corner of the goal of David de Gea – also with his weakness.
That gave Betis a nice lead, but it only took 10 minutes. A big mistake by Aitor Ribal was traced by Robin Gosens, who played in Fiorentina captain Luca Ranieri to bring the stand on the Benito Villamarin.
Almost shortly thereafter, Gosens made it 2-2, while Bartra missed a big chance to go with minutes that the lead of Betis would have recovered two goals. But in the end it would not be, although it is still an important lead for Los Verdiblancos to take on next week's return bone in Italy.
It was certainly a much better evening for Betis than for Athletic Club in the Europa League, because they were defeated 3-0 by Manchester United in the first stage of their semi-final draw at San Mames.
Match -Events
6 'goal! Betis 1-0 Fiorentina (Abde Ezzalzouli)
13 'Match event for Betis vs Fiorentina
21 'Match event for Betis vs Fiorentina
44 'Highlight of Betis vs Fiorentina
49 'Highlight of Betis vs Fiorentina
64 'What a goal! Antony Dubbles Lead with a stunning attack! Betis 2-0 Fiorentina
67 'Match event for Betis vs Fiorentina
72 'goal! Betis 2-1 Fiorentina (Luca Ranieri)
Line-ups
Betis XI: Isco, Bartra, Bakambu, Perraud, Ribal, Fornals, Fran Vieites, Antony, Johnny Cardoso, Abde Ezzalzouli, Natan
Subs: Adrian, Rodriguez, Sabaly, Bellerin, Lo Celso, Sergi Altimira, Nobel Mendy, Manu González, Jesús Rodríguez, Pablo García
Fiorentina XI: De Gea, Albert Gudmundson, Cataldi, Gosens, Mandragora, Marin Pongračić, L. Ranieri, Fagioli, Lucas Beltrán, Fabiano Parisi, Pietro Comuzzo
Subs: Pietro Terracciano, Kean, Yacine Adli, Zaniolo, Michael Folorunsho, Andrea Colpani, Amir Richardson, Tommaso Martinelli, size Daniel Caprini, Matías Moreno