UEFA Cup: Viola Draw in Athens

Fiorentina dominated long stretches of their away match with AEK Athens today, coming away with a creditable 1-1 draw that keeps them top of Group B with two rounds left to play (the Viola will be off on the next Matchday, not playing in Europe again until December 20).

The first half was reported a lively one with both teams threatening; the Viola opened the scoring on the half hour mark through Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who put strike partner Bobo Vieri’s accurate through pass past the hesitant Marcelo Moretto in the AEK goal. Shortly thereafter, though, the Greeks were level, thanks to an own goal by little used defender Federico Balzaretti. AEK striker Julio Cesar (not, sadly, the Inter keeper) was a constant threat to the visitors, but both Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Vieri (who had a goal ruled out for offside late in the half) had good chances before the halftime whistle blew.

The second half started as the first had ended, and Osvaldo was instantly in on goal, only to scuff his shot and have it saved by Moretto. The little semi-Italian had several more chances to restore Fiorentina’s lead as the half wore on, but the AEK keeper was equal to the task and, gradually, the energy went out of the game, as both teams appeared to settle for a draw. (Bobo, by the way, was voted MOTM by the users of UEFA.com. The old man went 87 minutes — his longest appearance of the season — and created what sound like countless chances for Osvaldo. That’s what I’m talkin’ about.)

The result leaves the Viola one point ahead of the idle Villarreal and, as I said this morning, they’re going to have to work awfully hard not to move on to the round of 32.

Category: Bobo Vieri, Fiorentina, Results, UEFA Cup, Serie A

Tags: Serie A, AEK Athens, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, UEFA Cup, Results, Fiorentina, Bobo Vieri, Tag Index

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