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Antony’s stunning goal helped Real Betis beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals. The home crowd at the Benito Villamarín celebrated as the Brazilian winger continued his impressive loan spell with another key moment.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Betis took an early lead when Abdessamad Ezzalzouli scored in the sixth minute, thanks to good work by Cedric Bakambu. In the second half, Antony—on loan from Manchester United—made it 2-0 in the 64th minute. He volleyed a loose ball from the edge of the area into the top corner, beating former United goalkeeper David de Gea and sending the stadium into celebration. Fiorentina responded eight minutes later when Luca Ranieri capitalized on a smart assist, closing the gap to 2-1 before the return leg in Florence next week.
ANTONY’S IMPACT
Since joining Betis in January, Antony has turned his season around. His goal against Fiorentina was his sixth for Betis, with three in the Conference League. His performances have been vital in Betis’ European campaign, helping the Spanish club reach the semifinal stage. In La Liga, Betis currently sits seventh, battling for European qualification for next season. Fiorentina, meanwhile, is also fighting for a European spot in Serie A and remains very much in contention ahead of the second leg.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Betis travels to Italy with a narrow advantage for the semifinal return leg against Fiorentina. Their next league match is crucial, as they are just two points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad, with Villarreal only one point below them in eighth. Fiorentina faces Sassuolo, looking to close the gap to the European places in Serie A. With the Conference League final in sight, both teams have everything to play for.
