In a thrilling encounter at the Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina managed to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Conference League for the third consecutive year after drawing 2-2 against Celje, ultimately winning 4-3 on aggregate. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the home side initially taking the lead before facing a brief setback, only to rally back and maintain their advantage.
Fiorentina started the match strong, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Marin Pongracic and Rolando Mandragora both came close, but their efforts were thwarted by a series of impressive saves from Celje's goalkeeper, Ricardo Silva. However, the breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Mandragora, following a well-timed assist from Pongracic, rifled a right-footed shot into the corner of the net, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Leading 1-0 at halftime, Fiorentina appeared to be in control. But the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Just nine minutes after the restart, Celje equalized through Aljosa Matko, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past David De Gea. The visitors quickly followed up with a second goal in the 65th minute, as Klemen Nemanic headed in from a corner, putting Celje ahead 2-1 and leveling the aggregate score at 3-3.
Fiorentina's response was immediate. Just a minute later, Moise Kean, who has been in sensational form, found the back of the net. Initially ruled offside, the goal was reviewed by VAR and ultimately confirmed, restoring parity at 2-2. This marked Kean's sixth goal in his last nine appearances across all competitions, showcasing his importance to the team.
As the match progressed, both teams continued to push for a decisive goal. However, Fiorentina had two more goals disallowed in the dying minutes: one from Luca Ranieri and another from Kean, both for marginal offside calls. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down, but Fiorentina managed to hold on for the draw, securing their place in the semi-finals against Real Betis.
Post-match, Fiorentina's coach Raffaele Palladino expressed his satisfaction with the team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character to come back and secure our place in the next round. The players executed the game plan well, and we are excited to face Betis in the semi-finals." Meanwhile, Celje's coach Albert Riera lamented the missed opportunities but praised his players for their spirited performance.
The match also highlighted the significant contributions of Mandragora, who not only scored but also provided an assist, earning him the MVP title for the game. His performance was instrumental in keeping Fiorentina's European campaign alive.
Looking ahead, Fiorentina will next face Cagliari in Serie A on April 21, while Celje will focus on their domestic league as they seek to regain a spot in European competition next season.
With this result, Fiorentina continues to build on their impressive record in the Conference League, having advanced in 14 of their last 16 knockout ties after winning the first leg. Their unbeaten streak at home in this competition remains intact, with six consecutive victories at the Franchi, each with at least two goals scored.
As the excitement builds for the semi-finals, fans will be eagerly anticipating how Fiorentina will fare against the Spanish side Betis, who are known for their competitive spirit and attacking prowess. The stage is set for an exhilarating clash in the quest for European glory.
