Real Betis have reached their first-ever European semi-final after defeating Jagiellonia Białystok in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. They’re still in the hunt for a top-four finish in La Liga, but winning this competition remains a big goal. Facing Fiorentina could work in their favour, as Betis are unbeaten in their last five matches against Italian teams, with three wins and two draws.
This is a chance for Betis to become the first Spanish club to reach a Conference League final. Their strong form at home could give them the edge, with four wins in their last five matches at Estadio Benito Villamarín. In Conference League games played there, they’ve only lost once in their last seven.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, have a poor record against Spanish sides, winning just two of 14 meetings. Their last encounter at this stage didn’t go well either — they were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Sevilla in the 2014/15 Europa League. However, they’ll be hoping it’s third time lucky, as they’re now in their third straight Conference League semi-final, having finished as runners-up in the past two seasons.
Manager Raffaele Palladino’s side sit outside the European places in Serie A, so success in this competition is especially important. They’re unbeaten in nine games after beating Empoli 2-1 on Sunday, but their recent away form in the Conference League hasn’t been grea, just one win from their last four away games.
Isco tends to strike late, with his last seven goals coming after the 40th minute. For Fiorentina, Rolando Mandragora is more likely to score early — four of his last five goals have come before the 40th minute.
Betis have scored the first goal in ten of their last eleven Conference League matches.
