Rapid and Fiorentina reach the semi-finals

In the Conference League, both Rapid Vienna and Fiorentina won their quarter-final first legs.

10 April 2025

From: dpa/dl

Rapid Vienna secured a strong starting position for a place in the Conference League semifinals with a narrow away win in Sweden on Thursday. In a close-fought quarterfinal first leg against Djurgårdens IF in front of 23.531 spectators in Stockholm, the Hütteldorfers secured a lucky 1-0 victory, giving coach Robert Klauß's team a small advantage heading into the return leg next Thursday in Vienna.

In the first European Cup quarterfinal involving Red-White-Reds in seven years, an own goal by Hampus Finndell (62nd minute) sealed the victory. European Cup expert Louis Schaub forced the goal with a cross. The Conference League semifinal would likely see top English club Chelsea await, having beaten Legia Warsaw 3-0 in the first leg just hours earlier.

Fiorentina is determined to win the trophy this year. © ANSA / ANTONIO BAT

Fiorentina also has one foot in the semifinals. The Serie A club won the first leg of their quarterfinal 2-1 in Celje. Ranieri and Mandragora had given the Viola a 2-0 lead. After two consecutive final appearances, Fiorentina is desperate to win the Conference League this year. But they face tough competition from Chelsea and Real Betis.