The first leg of the 2024/25 Conference League semi-final between Betis (Spain) and Fiorentina (Italy) will take place on May 1 at the Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. Betis vs. Fiorentina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Betis
Manuel Pellegrini's side faced Jagiellonia in the quarter-finals and emerged victorious over two legs (2-0 and 1-1). As a result, Betis has avoided defeat in 7 of their last 8 matches in the Conference League (5 wins, 2 draws). During this period, the team conceded in only three games. Overall, the Spanish team has showcased excellent defensive performances in this European competition: Betis has conceded just nine goals, excluding qualification, ranking third among clubs participating in the playoffs.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Conference League (4 wins, 2 draws).
- The team scored exactly one or two goals in 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 home games in this European competition.
- The Spanish side has not conceded more than one goal in regular time in 7 of their last 8 home matches in the Conference League.
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-3-3)
Fran Vieites – Nathan, Ricardo Rodriguez, Marc Bartra, Youssouf Sabaly – Giovani Lo Celso, Sergi Altimira, Pablo Fornals – Antony Matheus, Jesus Rodriguez, Cedric Bakambu.
Defenders Nobel Mendy and Diego Llorente, midfielder Marc Roca, and forwards Cedric Bakambu and Chimy Avila will miss out due to injuries.
Fiorentina
Raffaele Palladino's side defeated Zele in the previous round over two legs (2-1 and 2-2). In this Conference League, Fiorentina has suffered only two defeats in ten matches, excluding qualification (6 wins, 2 draws). However, the team managed to keep a clean sheet in only two games in this tournament's current edition. Additionally, the club's high scoring ability is noteworthy: the Italians have scored 27 goals in this Conference League, second only to Chelsea (33).
- The team has not won in regular time in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Conference League (4 draws, 2 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 4 of the club's last 5 away games in this European competition.
- The Italians conceded exactly one or two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Conference League.
Predicted lineup for Fiorentina (4-3-3)
David de Gea – Marin Pongracic, Luca Ranieri, Pietro Comuzzo, Fabiano Parisi – Danilo Cataldi, Rolando Mandragora, Nicolo Fagioli – Michael Folorunsho, Moise Kean, Albert Gudmundsson.
Defender Dodo and midfielder Andrea Colpani will miss out due to injuries.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 36%.
Betis vs. Fiorentina: Match Prediction
While Manuel Pellegrini's side has shown a reliable defensive performance in this Conference League, containing Fiorentina's attack will be challenging. Moreover, in their last six home matches in this tournament, Betis managed only two clean sheets, and they did not face opponents from the top 5 European leagues during this period. However, the Spanish team is capable of delivering a strong offensive performance: in their last seven home games in the Conference League, they failed to score only once.
Fiorentina is expected to shine in attack once again, as they have throughout this tournament. Even away from home, Raffaele Palladino's side has not struggled in attack, scoring ten goals in five away matches. However, the Italians have been prone to defensive errors, conceding in all of their last seven away games in the Conference League.
I expect an active attacking display from both teams in this match and believe both sides will find the back of the net. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
* Each team's starting lineup is based on their previous match in this tournament.
