Fiorentina secured a thrilling comeback victory against Rakow in their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 clash. This win allows Fiorentina to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca.
Match Overview
The match took place at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on March 12, 2026. Fiorentina entered with a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, highlighted by a late penalty from Albert Gudmundsson.
Key Events in the Match
Fiorentina’s Moise Kean made his return from injury, impacting the game immediately. However, Rakow shocked the hosts by scoring just 22 seconds into the second half. Karol Struski’s goal leveled the aggregate score at 2-2.
- Goals:
- Karol Struski (Rakow) – 46th minute
- Cher Ndour (Fiorentina) – 68th minute
- Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina) – 98th minute
- Final Score: Rakow 1 – 2 Fiorentina (Aggregate: 2 – 4)
Key Players
Kean initially caused problems for Rakow’s defense, registering attempts on goal. Cher Ndour’s strike in the 68th minute, aided by a deflection, restored Fiorentina’s aggregate advantage before Marin Pongracic sealed the victory with a stunning goal from his own half in stoppage time.
Injuries and Player Impact
Fiorentina faced several injury setbacks, with Niccolò Fortini, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini, and Tariq Lamptey unavailable for selection. Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess to overcome Rakow.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Fiorentina can look forward to their next opponents once the Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca tie concludes. The team is eager to continue their journey in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Fiorentina’s performance exemplifies their strong fighting spirit and ambition in European competition. The journey to the quarter-finals promises to be an exciting chapter for the team and its fans.
