Ezzalzouli sends Real Betis through to UEFA Conference League final
- Andrew Olsson
- May 8
- 1 min read
Real Betis are through to the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League following Thursday's dramatic 2-2 draw at Italian side Fiorentina. Having lost the second leg 1-2 in Italy, extra time was required to determine a winner and Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli produced the crucial match winner in the 97th minute.
The 23-year-old crashed in at the far post to finish a cross from Betis hero Antony in the first half of extra time. Antony's brilliant free kick opened the scoring in the 30th minute but Fiorentina stormed back with Robin Gosens providing two goals in the next fifteen minutes to give Fiorentina a 2-1 halftime lead.
Since Betis won the first leg 2-1 back home, after the Spanish La Liga side held off the hosts in a goalless second half on Thursday the tie required extra time. Betis found another gear and Ezzalzouli's strike held up as the winner after the Italian hosts failed to pose much of a threat for the remainder of extra time.
Ezzalzouli, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, joins African teammates including DR Congo's Cédric Bakambu and former Senegal international fullback Youssouf Sabaly in making a big impact for Betis in the Conference League. Now they will face Premier League side Chelsea FC in the final on May 28 in Wrocław, Poland.
Ezzalzouli now has five goals and an assist in fourteen Conference League matches while Bakambu remains second on the Conference League scoring chart with seven goals. Both players have not been as prolific but have found their best form in continental competition this season.
