Fiorentina advanced to the UEFA Conference League semifinals despite a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Slovenian underdogs NK Celje at Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Italian side moved forward with a 4-3 aggregate score, marking their 10th successful quarterfinal campaign in 11 European competition attempts.
The home team created early chances but failed to capitalize when Marin Pongracic headed over from a corner. Celje responded with pressure as Tamar Svetlin forced a spectacular save from David De Gea. Ricardo Silva later denied Rolando Mandragora with amazing reflexes after Nicolo Fagioli delivered a perfect chipped pass.
Mandragora eventually broke through, coolly finishing into the bottom corner after connecting with a precise pass from Pongracic. The second half brought unexpected drama when Aljosa Matko equalized for Celje, racing onto Mark Zabukovnik's through ball. Klemen Nemanic later stunned the crowd with a header that put the visitors ahead.
Moise Kean quickly restored order for Fiorentina, bending a beautiful strike into the far corner just a minute after falling behind. The Italian club maintained its impressive unbeaten streak across 12 two-legged Conference League ties, ending the historic run of the first Slovenian team ever to reach a European quarterfinal.
The home team created early chances but failed to capitalize when Marin Pongracic headed over from a corner. Celje responded with pressure as Tamar Svetlin forced a spectacular save from David De Gea. Ricardo Silva later denied Rolando Mandragora with amazing reflexes after Nicolo Fagioli delivered a perfect chipped pass.
Mandragora eventually broke through, coolly finishing into the bottom corner after connecting with a precise pass from Pongracic. The second half brought unexpected drama when Aljosa Matko equalized for Celje, racing onto Mark Zabukovnik's through ball. Klemen Nemanic later stunned the crowd with a header that put the visitors ahead.
Moise Kean quickly restored order for Fiorentina, bending a beautiful strike into the far corner just a minute after falling behind. The Italian club maintained its impressive unbeaten streak across 12 two-legged Conference League ties, ending the historic run of the first Slovenian team ever to reach a European quarterfinal.
