Conference League, Betis Sevilla between quality and injuries. Antony danger for Fiorentina

Florence, 18 April 2025 – Two draws in the second leg of the quarter-finals of Conference League they delivered to Betis Seville e Fiorentina the passage to the semi-final, with the dream of both of them to challenge the Chelsea (highly favored) or the DjurgardenThe Viola arrive at the double challenge with the Andalusians (first leg in Spain on May 1st, return the following week in Florence) after a hard-fought draw (a bit too much) against the Slovenians of Celje, a tougher opponent than expected, sealed by goals from Mandragora and the usual, implacable, Kean. A draw that was added to the Viola's success in the first leg in Slovenia (2-1).

Betis Sevilla (who had won the first leg of the quarter-finals at home 2-0) took the lead away to Polish side Jagiellonia with Bakambu in the 78th minute, then Churlinov equalised in the 81st minute, but it wasn't enough for the Bialystok team in a match well controlled by the guests.

As is obvious going forward in the cup journey, it rises significantly and Betis undoubtedly has more quality than the teams faced so far by the Viola. The Andalusians, sixth in the league, have one foot in the Europa League, also hoping for the Champions League.

Trained by Chilean Manuel Pellegrini (a very experienced coach, he lines up his team with a 4-2-3-1) are chasing their first European trophy (they have won a championship and three Copa del Rey), but they have to deal with injuries. The serious one of Diego Llorente (season over) and the muscular one to be evaluated of Ricardo Rodriguez, former defender of Torino and Milan. In the Andalusian squad there is the Brazilian Antony, a very talented winger, but also pay attention to the midfielder Isco and a group with good individual qualities. Green and white shirt, great rivalry with Sevilla (definitely more successful at international level, which overwhelmed Fiorentina in the 2015 Europa League Semi-Final) and the 60-seat Benito Villamarín stadium, which will host the “very hot” first leg of the semi-final.