Real Betis vs. Fiorentina Tips and Odds – 01/05/2025

• Fixture: Real Betis vs Fiorentina
• Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
• Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville
• Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-final, First Leg

Match Preview

The Estadio Benito Villamarín will be buzzing on Thursday, 1 May 2025, as Real Betis host Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, are aiming to make history in their first-ever European semi-final, while Fiorentina, now led by Raffaele Palladino, seek to finally lift the trophy after back-to-back final heartbreaks.

Real Betis approach this clash in impressive form, having dismantled Valladolid 5-1 at home and followed that with a 3-1 victory away at Girona in La Liga. Their Conference League quarter-final saw them edge past Jagiellonia Białystok 3-1 on aggregate, sealing progression with a 1-1 draw in Poland. Despite a recent 2-1 home defeat to Villarreal, Betis have generally been strong at home, making the Benito Villamarín a real fortress. However, injuries could test their depth: key midfielders Marc Roca and Giovani Lo Celso remain sidelined, which limits Pellegrini’s tactical flexibility.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, are enjoying a purple patch, having won three of their last five Serie A matches, including a 2-1 derby victory over Empoli and a 2-1 away win at Cagliari. Their path to the semi-finals was hard-fought, with a 2-2 home draw against Celje securing a 4-3 aggregate win in the quarters. Palladino has quickly instilled resilience and attacking verve in his side, with the likes of Rolando Mandragora and Yacine Adli stepping up in key moments. Moise Kean, the club’s top scorer, has missed recent games but is expected to return to training just in time for the trip to Seville, while Dodo and Zaniolo are available again after suspension.

Tactically, this promises to be a fascinating battle. Betis will look to control possession and use their home advantage to press for a first-leg lead, with Isco orchestrating play and Cédric Bakambu providing the goal threat up front. Fiorentina, under Palladino, have shown they can adapt to different game states, with Mandragora’s goalscoring form and Adli’s creativity giving them multiple attacking outlets. The Viola’s defensive record against Spanish sides is poor, but their recent results suggest they are peaking at the right time.

Key Players

• Real Betis:
  • Cédric Bakambu: The DR Congo striker has seven Conference League goals and will be the main attacking outlet.
  • Isco: The creative heartbeat of Betis, his vision and experience are vital, especially with midfield injuries.
  • Pablo Fornals: Brings European pedigree and composure in big matches.
• Fiorentina:
  • Rolando Mandragora: Five goals in six Conference League games, a threat from midfield and set pieces.
  • Yacine Adli: Offers creativity and has chipped in with crucial goals in recent matches.
  • Lucas Beltrán: The Argentine striker’s movement and finishing will test Betis’s backline.

Prediction

With Betis’s strong home form and Fiorentina’s resilience under Palladino, this first leg is set to be a close contest. Betis’s injuries in midfield could open the door for Fiorentina to control portions of the game, but the Spanish side’s attacking firepower and home advantage should give them a narrow edge. Expect a competitive match with goals for both sides. Predicted score: Real Betis 2-1 Fiorentina.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and subject to change. Please check the linked site for the latest prices.

This semi-final first leg promises drama and quality, with both teams eager to take a step closer to Conference League glory.