UECL | APOEL 2-1 Fiorentina: Viola suffer shock defeat in Cyprus

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·7 November 2024

UECL | APOEL 2-1 Fiorentina: Viola suffer shock defeat in Cyprus

Fiorentina saw their winning streak come to an end in Nicosia with a surprise 2-1 Conference League defeat to APOEL, as they paid for errors at both ends of the pitch.

The Viola have been on sensational form recently, winning their last seven competitive matches, including two in the Conference League against The New Saints and St Gallen. Lucas Martinez Quarta returned from suspension, with Albert Gudmundsson and Danilo Cataldi nursing injuries. APOEL dropped down from the Champions League and Europa League, missing Kingsley Sarfo following one point from two rounds.

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See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Christian Kouame’s deflected curler was smothered by the goalkeeper, then he hoofed over the bar from 13 yards at the end of a well-worked team move.

Michael Kayode fired into the arms of Vid Belec following stepovers, while APOEL penalty appeals were rejected because the Anastasios Donis pull-back struck Martinez Quarta on the heel first and then ricocheted up onto his hand.

APOEL opened the scoring with a well-worked move, as Donis sprung the offside trap on the El-Arabi through ball and shrugged off Kayode, dinking the delicate finish over on-rushing Pietro Terracciano from eight yards.

Amir Richardson’s volley was straight at the goalkeeper moments later on a Kayode cross, but Belec had to make an acrobatic save to palm away Rolando Mandragora’s long-range screamer.

epa11708517 Anastasios Donis

(C-L) of APOEL celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Conference League match between APOEL FC and ACF Fiorentina in Nicosia, Cyprus, 07 November 2024. EPA-EFE/CHARA SAVVIDOU

APOEL doubled their advantage with a bit of luck, because David Abagna had been successfully blocked off in the penalty area, but Kayode’s heavy touch on the clearance hit teammate Cristiano Biraghi and bounced back into the striker’s path.

Biraghi’s first touch let him down on a smart Kouame back-heel flick, while Kouame had wandered offside when his ferocious angled drive tested Belec.

Fabiano Parisi had Fiorentina penalty appeals rejected for a coming together with Tajera, but they got back into it when Ikone completed a give and go with Kouame to burst into the box and beat Belec from a tight angle with his snooker shot.

Fiorentina continued to push, but APOEL were focused in defence and Edoardo Bove fired over in stoppages.