Less sparkling than in recent weeks, Betis managed to remain solid against the attacks of Rayo, but yielded in the 83rd on a sublime direct free kick from 30 meters converted by the Portuguese Bébé, a few seconds after entering the game (80th ).

The Sevillians miraculously returned in added time thanks to a lucky goal from Borja Iglesias (90th + 2).

The final will take place on April 23 in Sevilla's third stadium, La Cartuja, and it will almost be a home game for Betis.

This 5th King's Cup final in the history of the Andalusian club will give Betis the opportunity to seek their first national title since 2005 (2-1 victory against Osasuna) and the third in their history (1977, 2005).

The ticket for the final was however difficult to validate for Manuel Pellegrini's men, and everything was decided in the last minutes.

Real Betis defender Youssouf Sabaly (g) beats Rayo Vallecano midfielder Alvaro Garcia Rivera in the King's Cup semi-final second leg, on March 3, 2022 in Seville CRISTINA QUICLER AFP

After the 2-1 success in the demanding Vallecas stadium in the first leg, thanks to a sublime solo goal from Borja Iglesias, it was again the "Panda" who offered qualification to the green and white.

A few minutes after coming into play, in place of Willian José (86th), the striker took advantage of a blocked ball to place his foot and send his team to the final.

Joaquin, the club legend (40), was the author of the deep pass on the equalizing goal of Iglesias, then almost scored the goal of 2-1 in the 90th + 4, but he missed the framework.

Previously, in the 73rd, Nabil Fekir, less sparkling than usual, had a chance to open the scoring, but Luca Zidane won his duel against his compatriot.

The French goalkeeper almost made an irreparable error ten minutes later (83rd), but he was saved on his line by his defender Ivan Balliu.

Real Betis players qualified for the King's Cup final on March 3, 2022 in Seville CRISTINA QUICLER AFP

For Rayo Vallecano, the beautiful epic ends there: the men of Andoni Iraola, a surprise team in this last four, will have to be satisfied with this already honorable course and focus on their end of the season in La Liga.

Before thinking about the final, Betis will also first have to take care of the very busy schedule: a crucial poster in the race for Europe on Sunday evening (9:00 p.m.) against Atlético Madrid, champion of Spain in title, then the start of the knockout stages of the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt, Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

© 2022 AFP