Player Ratings: Betis 1-2 Fiorentina – Ranieri Keeps La Viola Alive | OneFootball

Fiorentina suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final tie on Thursday night. Raffaele Palladino’s side recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a fighting chance in the return fixture.

The match at Estadio Benito Villamarin couldn’t have started any better for Los Verdiblancos as Abde Ezzalzouli fired them in front only eight minutes into the game. Both teams had decent chances in the rest of the first half, yet the scoreline remained unchanged until halftime.

However, Betis didn’t waste much time in the second half. Manuel Pellegrini’s side punished Albert Gudmundsson’s huge miss less than a minute after the break. Manchester United loanee Antony continued his fairytale in Andalusia, netting an incredible half-volley with his weaker right foot to put clear daylight between the sides.

Betis could’ve made it 3-0, yet Pablo Fornals wasted a glorious opportunity as David de Gea comfortably saved his feeble effort from point-blank range. Fiorentina regained confidence after weathering that storm and scored a potentially crucial goal midway through the second half.

Captain Luca Ranieri pounced on Robin Gosens’ cutback and put the ball in the back of the net to keep Fiorentina in this tie. Without further ado, let’s jump to our player ratings.

Fiorentina (3-5-2)

David de Gea – 6.5

Despite being beaten twice, the Spanish veteran stood firm on several occasions to prevent further damage. There was nothing he could do to stop both goals.

Marin Pongracic – 6

Though decent in aerial duels, the Croatian defender lacked composure on the ball and struggled for conviction when called to defend on the ground.

Pietro Comuzzo – 5.5

Cedric Bakambu sailed past him to set up Ezzalzouli on a platter. The youngster grew into the contest as the game progressed, but overall performance flattered to deceive.

Luca Ranieri – 7

The goal came as a fitting reward for the Fiorentina skipper’s commendable effort at Benito Villamarin. Solid at the back and brave going forward, Ranieri led by example.

Robin Gosens – 7

Fiorentina lacked the German’s overlapping runs in the first half. However, he returned to his best after the break and grabbed an all-important assist to keep La Viola’s continental dream alive.

Nicolo Fagioli – 6

Palladino trusted him to be the architect of Fiorentina’s play tonight, yet the former Juventus midfielder failed to live up to expectations.

Danilo Cataldi – 6

Virtually invisible in the build-up play, the ex-Lazio star at least helped his team defend against Betis’ free-flowing frontline before being forced off by injury.

Rolando Mandragora – 6.5

It’s a pity he couldn’t cap off his spirited showing with a goal as his towering header flew a whisker wide of the far post.

Fabiano Parisi – 7

Full of running and energy, the diminutive wingback was omnipresent in attack and fared decently in defense. Yet, he must improve his calmness on the ball.

Lucas Beltran – 6

The Argentine didn’t take advantage of a rare chance to start ahead of Moise Kean. A near-anonymous performance!

Albert Gudmundsson – 6

Who knows how the game would’ve gone had he kept more composure at the start of the second half?

Substitutes

Yacine Adli – 6

Moise Kean – 6.5

Michael Folorunsho – 5.5