SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 01: Antony of Real Betis is challenged by Robin Gosens of Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Robin Gosens admits Fiorentina leave Real Betis with ‘regret that we conceded two avoidable goals,’ but confidence they can reach a third straight Conference League Final.
The Viola were already behind within six minutes as Abde Ezzalzouli smashed in off the underside of the bar on a pull back from the right, then Antony’s scorcher from the edge of the area flew past David De Gea.
However, Luca Ranieri got one back on the Gosens assist and that makes it a tighter affair going into the second leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi next Thursday evening.
Fiorentina still in the Conference League semi-final
“There are some regrets, because we conceded two avoidable goals,” Gosens told Sky Sport Italia.
“The second was an incredible strike, but on the first we made mistakes. Nonetheless, we will take this result, because it’s all still open going into the second leg and we’ll fight for qualification to the Final at the Stadio Franchi.”
All the Fiorentina players and coach Raffaele Palladino commented with admiration at the atmosphere put on by the Betis fans.
It was after all the final European game played in this stadium before refurbishment work that could take around two years to complete.
“We knew that Betis would start in fifth gear with a high press and wanted to avoid conceding an early goal. It happened anyway,” added Gosens.
New injury worries for Fiorentina
Danilo Cataldi limped off with a muscular problem during the first half, while Moise Kean only came on for the restart after being out for a week dealing with a family matter.
When Gosens was spotted after the final whistle with some heavy strapping, he was asked if there was more bad news for Fiorentina fans.
“I had a knock against Empoli and fell awkwardly, then another knock today, but it’s nothing serious. It’s all fine,” assured the Germany international.
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