
- Fixture: Real Betis vs Fiorentina, UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-Final First Leg
- Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
- Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain
Match Preview
The Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville will be buzzing as Real Betis welcome Fiorentina for the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday, 1 May 2025. Both teams have their sights set on a place in the final, and with the passionate home crowd behind them, Betis will look to seize an early advantage in the tie.
Real Betis come into this clash on the back of a dominant 5-1 win over Valladolid in La Liga, a result that underlines their attacking prowess and confidence at home. Their recent form has been impressive, with three wins, two draws, and only one defeat in their last six matches. However, they will be missing key midfielders Marc Roca and Giovani Lo Celso due to injuries, which could impact their control and creativity in the middle of the park. Despite these absences, Betis have averaged a healthy 1.68 goals per game this season, with Isco and Cédric Bakambu stepping up as reliable sources of goals and assists.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, are no strangers to European knockout drama. They recently edged past NK Celje in a thrilling 2-2 draw to reach this stage, and followed it up with a gritty 2-1 away win at Cagliari in Serie A. The Viola have shown resilience and tactical flexibility under Raffaele Palladino, but they will be without suspended defender Luca Ranieri, which could leave them vulnerable against Betis’s dynamic attack. Fiorentina’s away record in Europe has been solid, and they’ll be aiming for a crucial away goal to take back to Florence for the second leg.
Expect a high-tempo encounter, with both sides eager to assert themselves early. Betis will rely on their home support and attacking flair, while Fiorentina’s disciplined midfield and quick transitions could cause problems for the Spanish side. Injuries and suspensions add an extra layer of intrigue, as both managers may need to tweak their usual lineups and tactics to compensate for key absences.
With the stakes so high, the first leg could be cagey in the opening stages but open up as the game progresses. Betis’s home advantage and recent scoring form make them slight favorites, but Fiorentina’s experience and resilience in Europe mean they can never be underestimated. This promises to be a fascinating tactical battle with plenty of individual quality on display.
Key Players
Real Betis:
- Isco: The creative hub and top scorer, orchestrating attacks and providing crucial goals.
- Cédric Bakambu: A consistent threat in the box, capable of exploiting any defensive lapses.
- Antony: The Brazilian winger brings flair and unpredictability, especially with Lo Celso out.
Fiorentina:
- Lucas Beltrán: The Argentine striker is a constant goal threat and will be vital in Ranieri’s absence.
- Rolando Mandragora: Controls the tempo in midfield and breaks up opposition play.
- Moise Kean: Adds pace and directness to the attack, especially on the counter.
Prediction
With both teams missing key players, this first leg could be closer than expected. Real Betis’s home form and attacking options give them a slight edge, but Fiorentina’s ability to grind out results on the road means they are likely to keep things tight and look for opportunities on the break. A 1-1 draw or a narrow 2-1 win for Betis seems likely, setting up a tantalizing second leg in Florence.
Betting Markets & Odds
Market | Selection | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
---|---|---|---|
Match Result | Real Betis Win | 7/5 | Bet Now |
Match Result | Draw | 9/4 | Bet Now |
Match Result | Fiorentina Win | 2/1 | Bet Now |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 4/6 | Bet Now |
Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 5/6 | Bet Now |
Correct Score | Real Betis 2-1 Fiorentina | 8/1 | Bet Now |
To Qualify for the Final | Real Betis | 11/10 | Bet Now |
To Qualify for the Final | Fiorentina | 8/11 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may change. Please check for the latest prices before placing your bet.
With both teams hungry for European glory, expect fireworks in Seville as Real Betis and Fiorentina battle for a place in the Conference League final!