Jagiellonia Białystok achieved the nearly impossible in the UEFA Conference League round of 16 second leg against Fiorentina. After a 0:3 defeat in the first match, the Polish champions overturned the deficit at the Stadio Artemio Franchi thanks to a historic hat-trick by 19-year-old Bartosz Mazurek. Despite leading 3:0 and forcing extra time, the team from Podlasie succumbed to the hosts' pressure in the additional period. The final 4:2 score was not enough to advance.

Mazurek's Historic Hat-Trick

19-year-old Bartosz Mazurek scored three goals, becoming Jagiellonia's youngest scorer in Europe and the first Pole with a hat-trick in European competition since 1982.

Dramatic Extra Time in Florence

Jagiellonia led 3:0, overturning the first-leg deficit, but ultimately fell in extra time, conceding two goals in the additional period.

Coach Vanoli's Reaction

A surprising goalkeeper change by Fiorentina at halftime — David de Gea replaced Luca Lezzerini after conceding two goals in the first half.

Thursday evening in Florence will long be remembered by Jagiellonia Białystok fans as one of the most thrilling moments in the club's history. Adrian Siemieniec's team entered the return leg in a dire situation after a heavy 0:3 home defeat. However, from the first minutes, the Polish side displayed a determination that was missing a week earlier. The absolute hero of the match was Bartosz Mazurek, who scored three times against Fiorentina's goalkeepers in under 50 minutes. His feat is the first hat-trick by a Polish player for a domestic club in European competition in 44 years, making him a historic figure for Polish football. The match was incredibly dynamic. Mazurek opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a pass from Afimico Pululu. Before halftime, he made it 2:0, causing panic in the Italian ranks. Deflection on the second goal forced Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli to bring on the legendary David de Gea right after the break. Despite the experienced Spaniard's entry, Mazurek completed his hat-trick in the 49th minute, leveling the tie on aggregate. This caused shock in the stands of the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and Jagiellonia found themselves with a real chance to eliminate the Serie A favorites. In 2023, Lech Poznań found themselves in a similar situation, winning 3:2 in Florence after a 1:4 home defeat, showing that Italian stadiums can be hospitable to determined Polish teams. Despite the heroic performance, the end of the match and extra time belonged to the hosts. The physically exhausted Białystok side could not hold onto the favorable result. Fiorentina, with a deeper squad and greater experience, managed to score two goals in extra time, which with Jagiellonia's 4:2 win on the night, secured advancement for the Italian team. The crucial moment came in the 107th minute with a goal that definitively buried the visitors' hopes for a penalty shootout. Although Jagiellonia exits the competition, the style in which they bid farewell to Europe has earned praise from experts and provided a powerful boost of optimism for Polish football in the national ranking.

Mentioned People

  • Bartosz Mazurek — 19-year-old Jagiellonia midfielder, scorer of three goals against Fiorentina.
  • Adrian Siemieniec — Jagiellonia Białystok coach.
  • Paolo Vanoli — Coach of Italian side Fiorentina.
  • David de Gea — Fiorentina goalkeeper, came on at halftime.