Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis are on the verge of reaching a European Final.
Cardoso played the full 90 minutes on Thursday as Manuel Pellegrini’s men defeated Serie A visitors Fiorentina 2-1 in UEFA Europa Conference League semifinal first leg action. The second leg will take place in Florence on May 8, with the winner taking on Chelsea on Djurgarden in the final.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli propelled Real Betis into an early 1-0 lead following a headed finish in the sixth minute.
Antony doubled the hosts lead in the 64th minute, continuing what has been an impressive second half of the season.
Luca Ranieri pulled one goal back for Fiorentina in the 73rd minute, but Real Betis would hang on for a first leg victory.
Cardoso won four duels, completed 98% of his passes, and made four defensive recoveries. The 23-year-old has now made 40 appearances on the season for the La Liga club.
Real Betis will travel to Espanyol in league play on May 4 before traveling to Fiorentina four days later.
