Betis break Fiorentina hearts to book Conference League final

FLORENCE, Italy - Abde Ezzalzouli emerged as Real Betis’ hero on Thursday after he netted an extra-time winner to make them the first Spanish side to reach the Conference League final with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, setting up a showdown with Premier League side Chelsea.

The Italian hosts faced an uphill task of overturning a first-leg deficit after Betis won 2-1 in Seville last week.

Betis increased their advantage further on Thursday when Antony scored on the half-hour mark with a stunning free-kick, curling the ball over the wall and in off the post.

Fiorentina then managed to draw level thanks to two Robin Gosen headed goals within eight minutes. The German headed in from a corner in the 34th minute and then outjumped Marc Bartra to find the top corner to drag the match into extra time.

Betis ultimately edged through with a 2-2 result on the night after Ezzalzouli scored in the 97th minute from Antonys cross, sending Betis to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28. REUTERS

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