Fiorentina Edge Rakow, Advance to UECL Quarter-Finals
Fiorentina comes from behind to beat Rakow 2-1 (4-2 aggregate), advancing to UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. Marin Pongracic scores late winner.
It was desperate at times for Fiorentina, but they managed to break the deadlock in the end...
Fiorentina has reached the UECL quarter-finals for the 4th time, beating Rakow 2-1 at ArcelorMittal Park (4-2 aggregate). The first half was tense, with chances on both ends - Kean's shot blocked by Svarnas, and Repka's volley flying over.
The Italians came from behind, thanks to a strong second-half performance.
Kean then produced the game’s first shot on target with a volley of his own, but he could not get clean contact on it and it was an easy save for Oliwier Zych.
The goalkeeper had to produce a better save to tip away Nicolo Fagioli’s attempt though in added time at the end of the first half.
Despite dominating the game, Fiorentina conceded just seconds after the break. Ivi's brilliant pass found Karol Struski, who sneaked his shot past Oliver Christensen at the near post.
Spurred on by the sudden shock, La Viola pushed hard to get back in front. Fabiano Parisi forced Zych to parry away his powerful drive, determined to turn the tie around.
Roberto Piccoli had a close-range header hit the post, adding to Fiorentina's pressure.
Fiorentina finally got the equaliser they were pushing for through Cher Ndour. He latched onto Piccoli's lay-off, and with a big deflection, his strike found the back of the net.
Parisi had a shot from distance that flew just wide, almost sealing the win.
In the final minutes, Rakow had Zych to thank for keeping things level - Fagioli forced another good save from the keeper.
In a rare attack for the makeshift hosts, a late twist saw them denied a penalty for an apparent dive in the area. Another spot-kick was waved away after Rakow players claimed a handball, adding to the drama.
Fiorentina get the win in Raków ⚜️#UECL pic.twitter.com/C0JGXlHSfL
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) March 19, 2026
It was desperate at times for Fiorentina, but they managed to break the deadlock in the end. After a period of survival, they capitalised on Zych coming up for a long throw-in - Marin Pongracic struck from his own half into an empty net, sealing a third straight win.
La Viola's hopes of reaching a third UECL final are still alive, thanks to their win. Meanwhile, Rakow will regret missing out on a chance to make the quarter-finals, especially after losing to Italian teams in their last 4 encounters
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