Rakow Czestochowa will welcome Fiorentina to Poland for the second leg of their Conference League tie, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The Polish side trail by a single goal after last week’s encounter, where Fiorentina snatched a late victory. Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca await the winner of this match in the next round.
Fiorentina’s First-Leg Comeback
Fiorentina, in their 50th Conference League fixture, overcame an initial setback in the first leg. After slipping behind on the hour mark, Cher Ndour equalised swiftly. Albert Gudmundsson then converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal a comeback victory for the Viola.
That win gave Paolo Vanoli’s side a slender lead to defend in the return game. Fiorentina had to survive a scare in the playoffs, edging past Jagiellonia Bialystok after extra time to reach this stage.
Rakow’s Defensive Record Under Threat
Prior to the first leg, Rakow Czestochowa boasted the second-best defensive record in the Conference League this season, having conceded just two goals across six contests. However, they let a precious lead slip in Florence. Jonatan Braut Brunes had put them in front last week. Michael Ameyaw’s handball then handed Fiorentina their late spot kick.
Lukasz Tomczyk’s side will be aiming to put that right on Thursday. They have a 100% record as hosts so far, keeping a couple of clean sheets in the process.
Fiorentina’s Domestic Form Improves
Fiorentina’s victory over Cremonese moved them four points clear of the Serie A drop zone. Dodo scored with a superb solo strike on his 150th appearance, nearly three years after his last goal. Gudmundsson capped their 4-1 victory with a goal, finishing a flowing team move.
With some breathing space secured domestically, the Tuscan club can now focus on their 12th knockout tie in the Conference League. They have progressed from 10 of the previous 11, the sole exception being last year’s semi-final defeat to Real Betis.
Rakow Aim to Continue Best Period in History
Rakow are currently enjoying the best period in their history. They followed back-to-back Polish cup triumphs in 2021 and 2022 with their first league title one year later, before finishing second last term. By contrast with Fiorentina’s domestic woes, they are again flying high in the Ekstraklasa.
History is firmly on Fiorentina’s side, but Rakow will be hoping to cause an upset and progress to the quarter-finals. Despite losing 3-1 to Gornik Zabrze on Sunday, they will look to bounce back in this crucial European tie.