Moise Kean and Cédric Bakambu delivered decisive goals on a dramatic night of UEFA Conference League quarter-final action, securing Fiorentina and Real Betis safe passage into the semi-finals.
Fiorentina, holding a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, faced a spirited challenge from Slovenian side NK Celje at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The Italian outfit made the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Rolando Mandragora expertly guided a low strike into the bottom corner after a deft pass from Pongračić.
But Celje refused to go quietly. Within 20 minutes of the restart, the visitors stunned the home crowd by overturning the scoreline.
Luka Matko levelled the match in the 54th minute, and ten minutes later, Žan Nemanič added a second to give the Slovenians a temporary lead.
With the aggregate score levelled and momentum swinging dangerously in Celje’s favour, tension gripped the stadium.
SEMIFINALEEEE!!!#UECL pic.twitter.com/DbOYUE9rAO
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) April 17, 2025
Enter Moise Kean. The Italian forward, who has battled for consistency throughout the season, chose the perfect moment to deliver.
In the 68th minute, he reacted sharply inside the box, converting a crucial goal that restored Fiorentina’s aggregate advantage and, ultimately, their qualification.
The final whistle brought visible relief and celebration to the home bench, with Kean’s timely finish ensuring the Serie A side’s return to the last four.
In Seville, Real Betis had their own test of resolve.
After a 1-1 draw in Poland, the return leg against Jagiellonia proved just as tight.
The visitors thought they had seized control when Kristoffer Hansen found the net just before the break, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.
The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute.
Bakambu, alert and unmarked, pounced on a loose ball inside the area and fired it home to give Betis the advantage.
Though Churlinov responded for the Polish side just three minutes later, the away goal counted for little as Betis progressed on aggregate.
Betis & Fiorentina are into the UECL 𝑺𝑬𝑴𝑰-𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳𝑺 👏 pic.twitter.com/DS1SWEhY3b
— 433 (@433) April 17, 2025
The stage is now set for a tantalising semi-final clash between Fiorentina and Betis.
Both sides are driven by determination and fuelled by the performances of their standout forwards—Kean and Bakambu—whose goals have propelled their teams to within touching distance of a European final.
Fiorentina, seeking redemption after last year’s disappointment at this stage, will meet a Betis side eager to write a new chapter in their continental journey.
With form, ambition, and flair on both sides, the upcoming showdown promises fireworks.
