Fiorentina advance to last 16 despite 2-4 extra-time defeat

fiorentina fell 2-4 on the night after extra time but still secured qualification to the round of 16, in a match defined by an early three-goal burst from Mazurek and a tense finish that included a late goal and a sending-off.

Early assault from Mazurek

The match opened badly for the home side as Mazurek pierced the defence twice before halftime, giving the visitors a 0-2 lead at the interval. He then completed his personal hat-trick early in the second half to make it 0-3, leaving the hosts chasing a comeback and forcing the contest into extra time.

Fiorentina fightback fell short

In extra time the home team produced a spirited response: Fagioli struck with a long-range effort in the 107th minute after a spilled save, and Kean followed with a headed effort in the 114th minute aided by a defensive deflection to bring the score to 2-3 on the night. The late response levelled aggregate drama but ultimately proved insufficient to overturn the deficit.

Late drama, error and dismissal

With the match hanging in the balance, Imaz added a goal at the 118th minute, a strike that was compounded by an imprecise intervention that allowed the ball to cross the line and make the score 2-4. The visitors finished the game a man down after Vital was sent off at the 120th minute. The sequence of events produced tense closing minutes, but the final whistle confirmed advancement for the team that had been trailing on the night.

• Final score on the night: 2-4. Aggregate result: the advancing side reached the round of 16 after extra time.
• Mazurek completed a hat-trick (two goals in the first half, one early in the second half).
• Goals for the advancing side in extra time came from Fagioli (107') and Kean (114'); Imaz scored at 118' and a 120' red card followed.

The result leaves fiorentina through to the next phase despite defensive lapses that produced four goals conceded in the tie. The immediate focus for the advancing team will be on recovery and correction ahead of the round-of-16 fixture; if the defensive issues seen in this match are addressed, the side will approach the next opponent with a clearer path forward. If those issues persist, tougher tests in the knockout stage could expose the same vulnerabilities.