Fiorentina vs Basel: Barak's Last-Gasp Goal Seals Europa Conference League Final Berth

Heartbreak for Basel as Fiorentina Reach Europa Conference League Final

Antonin Barak's dramatic stoppage-time goal sends Fiorentina to the Europa Conference League final at the expense of Basel.

In a thrilling semi-final second leg at the St. Jakob-Park in Basel, the Swiss side looked set to reach their first European final since 2013 after going a goal up in extra time. However, Fiorentina refused to be beaten and snatched an unlikely victory in the dying moments.

The match had been a tense and evenly-contested affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough. Basel took the lead in the 118th minute through a stunning strike from substitute Darian Males, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Fiorentina, who had lost the first leg 2-1 in Florence, looked dejected as the clock ticked down. But in a moment of brilliance, Barak popped up in the Basel area in the 120th minute and calmly slotted home from close range to send the Viola into raptures.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Fiorentina players and staff, who had defied the odds to reach their first European final in nine years. Basel, meanwhile, were left to rue their missed opportunities and their failure to defend at crucial moments.

Fiorentina will now face either Roma or Leicester City in the final in Tirana, Albania, on May 25. It will be the first time the Italian club has reached a European cup final since losing to Bayern Munich in the 1990 UEFA Cup final.