Club Brugge and Fiorentina will clash in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final on Wednesday at the Jan Breydelstadion in Belgium.
Fiorentina edged the first leg with a 3-2 victory at Stadio Artemio Franchi, but the aggregate lead remains precarious as Club Brugge aims to overturn the deficit on home soil.
Match Preview
In a five-goal thriller in Florence, Fiorentina took the lead twice, thanks to goals from Riccardo Sottil and Andrea Belotti.
However, Club Brugge fought back both times, with Hans Vanaken converting a penalty and Igor Thiago finding the net to level the score.
A red card for Raphael Onyedika left Brugge a man down, and Fiorentina capitalized with M'Bala Nzola's late winner.
Club Brugge's Form and Team News
Despite the narrow first-leg defeat, Club Brugge remains optimistic. The Belgian side won 2-1 against Antwerp over the weekend, securing their sixth consecutive league win.
They have thrived under interim coach Nicky Hayen, winning eight of their last ten games. Their attack has been prolific, scoring 17 goals in their last six home matches while conceding just two.
Raphael Onyedika is suspended after his first-leg red card, meaning Hugo Vetlesen is likely to partner Denis Odoi in midfield. Goalkeeper Nordin Jackers should return from a strain injury to start, while left-back Bjorn Meijer remains doubtful due to a knee injury.
Possible Starting XI
Jackers; De Cuyper, Spileers, Mechele, Sabbe; Odoi, Vetlesen; Skov Olsen, Vanaken, Jutgla; Thiago.
Fiorentina's Form and Team News
Vincenzo Italiano's Fiorentina endured a disappointing 2-1 Serie A defeat to Hellas Verona over the weekend but rested several key players.
Riccardo Sottil, who scored in the first leg, will miss the second leg due to a broken collarbone.
Gaetano Castrovilli, another notable absentee, isn't registered for the UECL. Jonathan Ikone or Christian Kouame will likely fill Sottil's void.
Possible Starting XI
Terracciano; Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Arthur Gonzalez, Beltran, Kouame; Belotti.
Prediction
Fiorentina's shaky away form and the absence of Sottil might hinder their attacking prowess.
Club Brugge's impressive home form and fighting spirit could make this a thrilling encounter.
However, Fiorentina's quality and aggregate advantage should see them hold Brugge to a 1-1 draw, securing a 4-3 aggregate win and a ticket to the final.
Our Prediction: Club Brugge 1-1 Fiorentina (Fiorentina win 4-3 on aggregate)
FAQ
When is the Club Brugge vs Fiorentina match, and where will it be played? Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Venue: Jan Breydelstadion, Brugge, Belgium
What was the result of the first leg? Fiorentina won the first leg 3-2 at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence.
What's at stake in this match? The winner of this semi-final tie will advance to the UEFA Europa Conference League final, where they will face either Aston Villa or Olympiacos.
What are the recent forms of both teams? Club Brugge: WLWWWL (Europa Conference League), WWWWLW (all competitions). Fiorentina: DWDDWW (Europa Conference League), WWLWWL (all competitions)
What is the prediction for the second leg? Prediction: Club Brugge 1-1 Fiorentina (Fiorentina win 4-3 on aggregate)
Fiorentina 
Club Brugge 
