Fiorentina’s Andrea Belotti (right) fights for the ball with Bruges’ Jorne Spileers during the UEFA Conference League semifinal match between Fiorentina and Bruges at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Marco Bucco / AP
(sda)
Fiorentina and Olympiacos Piraeus are in good positions in the semi-final first leg of the Conference League. The Italians beat Bruges 3-2, Piraeus surprised and beat Aston Villa 4-2 away.
In the Greek coup on the island, the Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi was the outstanding player with three goals. Aston Villa disappointed. The only remaining English representative in the European Cup came back after 0-2 and equalized after the break. In the end, however, the guests were more relaxed. Villa’s captain Douglas Luiz also missed a penalty shortly before the end.
Fiorentina also had a hard time. The Italians, who are in the semi-finals for the second time in a row, were already leading 2-1 when they were able to play in the majority against Bruges after a good hour and a yellow-red card. However, just two minutes after being sent off, they counterattacked and conceded the equalizer. It was only in stoppage time that M’Bala Nzola, who had just been substituted, ensured the Italians won.
First leg on Thursday
Aston Villa – Olympiakos Piraeus 2:4 (1:2). – SR Guida (ITA). – Goals: 17. El Kaabi 0:1. 29. El Kaabi 0:2. 45. Watkins 1:2. 52. Diaby 2:2. 56. El Kaabi (penalty) 2:3. 67. Heze 2:4. – Notes: 84. Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) misses the penalty.
Fiorentina – Bruges 3:2 (2:1). – SR Oliver (ENG). – Goals: 5. Sottil 1:0. 17. Vanaken (penalty) 1:1. 37. Belotti 2:1. 63. Thiago 2:2. 91. Nzola 3:2. – Comments: 61. Yellow-red card Onyedika (Bruges).