Europa Conference League: Ezzalzouli fires Betis into first European final

Abde Ezzalzouli smashed home Antony’s driven cross in extra time to send Real Betis into a first major European final at the expense of Fiorentina.

Having claimed a narrow 2-1 win in the first leg in Seville, Manuel Pellegrini’s side fought back from a goal down on the night to make it 2-2 and eliminate two-time finalists Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate in Italy.

The winning moment came via a swift counter attack as Antony dashed down the right wing before laying a perfect assist into the path of Ezzalzouli to power a shot past a helpless David de Gea.

For on loan Manchester United forward Antony it was his second significant involvement of the night, having opened the scoring with a wonderful, arcing free kick after 30 minutes.

The hosts, aiming to reach a third successive Conference League final, were then given renewed hope by a Robin Gosens double at the end of the first half.

The midfielder twice stole a march at the front post to convert a pair of headers. He glanced the first across goal and into the far corner, before powering the next high into the roof of the net with Fran Vieites rooted to level on aggregate.

However they tired as the match wore on, eventually being undone in extra time by a moment of quality on the counter.

Isco could then have further consolidated Betis’ aggregate lead but blazed over from the edge of the box.

Nevertheless the Spanish side held out under one last siege from Fiorentina to book their place in the final.

They will go head to head with Chelsea for the trophy at Stadion Wrocław on Wednesday 28 May, after Enzo Maresca’s side dispatched Swedish outfit Djurgarden 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to advance 5-1 on aggregate.