Actual Betis will probably be Spain’s one and solely participant in a European closing as they’ve reached the UEFA Convention League closing. A 2-2 draw in opposition to Fiorentina was sufficient to ebook their place within the showpiece occasion, with the rating ending 4-3 on combination.
Betis took a 2-1 benefit into the match in Florence, and their lead went from one to 2 on the half hour mark as Antony curled in an exquisite free-kick to proceed his excellent mortgage spell at Los Verdiblancos.
However the pleasure wouldn’t final lengthy for Manuel Pellegrini’s aspect as they conceded quickly after to Robin Gosens, who fired Fiorentina stage on the evening. And minutes earlier than half time, the German wing-back struck once more to provide the Serie A aspect the lead on the evening, and convey the tie to 3-3 on combination.
There can be no targets within the second half, which meant that additional time was required. And simply seven minutes into the extra 30, the magic second got here for Betis as Antony performed in substitute Ez Abde to fireplace previous Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea for his second purpose of the tie, which sparked jubilant scenes among the many away supporters.
Moise Kean missed an enormous likelihood to take the tie to penalties, whereas Abde hit the put up in his efforts to attain a second of the night. However in the long run, it was not wanted as Betis held on to ebook their place within the UEFA Convention League closing, which is their first European closing of their 118-year historical past.
Betis will face Chelsea within the closing as they overcame Djurgardens within the different semi-finals, which is a match-up that Pellegrini predicted – and hoped for – over two months in the past.