Fiorentina and Crystal Palace both advanced to the UEFA Conference League last 16 on Thursday, though both sides faced unexpected challenges in their second-leg playoff matchups. The Conference League offers a pathway to European glory for clubs outside the Champions League and Europa League and these results set the stage for an exciting knockout stage.
Fiorentina overcame a stunning comeback attempt by Jagiellonia Białystok, ultimately progressing 5-4 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 4-2. The Serie A side entered the match with a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg, but found themselves in a difficult position as Bartosz Mazurek scored a hat trick for the Polish team, forcing the game into extra time. Nicolò Fagioli then scored a crucial goal for Fiorentina, and an own goal by Taras Romanczuk sealed the victory, despite a late goal from Jesús Imaz.
“We could have managed it better. We know we need to improve in many areas,” Fiorentina midfielder Giovanni Fabbian told Sky. “The important thing is that the team have advanced. These are moments that happen in football; on paper, they’re straightforward games, but in modern football, there are no truly simple matches.”
Fiorentina will face either Racing Strasbourg or Raków Częstochowa in the next round, following a draw on Friday. The first legs of the last 16 are scheduled for March 12.
Crystal Palace secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Zrinjski Mostar, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand at Selhurst Park ensured Palace’s progression. This marked Palace’s first European knockout tie in a major tournament. The win provides a boost for a team that has faced recent struggles in the Premier League and an FA Cup upset.
Oliver Glasner’s side will face either Mainz or AEK Larnaca in the next stage of the competition.
Elsewhere, AZ Alkmaar and Lech Poznan also advanced, defeating Noah 4-1 and KuPS Kuopio 3-0 on aggregate, respectively. UEFA.com has full details on all the results from Thursday’s playoff second legs. Punchng.com also reported on the victories for Palace and Fiorentina.
