Fiorentina Secures Narrow Victory Over Bruges in Conference League Semifinal

Clinical Goal from Mbala Nzola Turns the Tide in Tense Encounter

In a thrilling contest, ACF Fiorentina edged out Club Brugge KV 3-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semifinal on Thursday evening. The match, played at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy, saw both teams go back and forth, but a late goal from Mbala Nzola proved to be the difference.

Nzola Strikes in Dying Moments

After a goalless first half, Fiorentina's Jonathan Ikoné and Luka Jović found the back of the net within minutes of each other to give the hosts a comfortable lead. However, Bruges fought back through goals from Ferran Jutglà and Bjorn Meijer, setting up a dramatic finish.

Just when it seemed like the Belgian side would leave with a share of the spoils, Mbala Nzola popped up in the dying moments to snatch the victory for Fiorentina. The Angolan striker capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area and fired a low shot past Simon Mignolet to send the home crowd into raptures.

Second Leg Looms

The second leg of the semifinal will be played a day earlier than originally scheduled, on Wednesday, May 10, at 18:45 CET (12:45 PM ET) at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium. Fiorentina will take a slender advantage into the return leg, but Bruges has proven to be a formidable opponent and will be determined to overturn the deficit.

Historic Encounter

This is the first meeting between Fiorentina and Bruges in European competition. The Belgian team topped their group with five wins and one defeat, while Fiorentina finished second in their group behind Istanbul Başakşehir.