The UEFA Conference League semi-finals commenced on Thursday, with Olympiacos delivering a major upset by defeating Aston Villa 4-2 on English soil.
The Greek side seizes an advantage heading into the second leg, scheduled for next Thursday, May 9, at 4:00 PM at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus.
Ayoun El Kaabi ignited the scoring for Olympiacos in the 16th minute and doubled their lead in the 29th. Ollie Watkins reduced the deficit for the hosts in injury time of the first half.
Moussa Diaby leveled the scores for Aston Villa in the 52nd minute, but El Kaabi restored Olympiacos' lead with a penalty in the 56th. Santiago Hezze further extended their advantage in the 67th.
Douglas Luiz squandered a chance to narrow the gap for Villa from the penalty spot in the 84th minute.
Fiorentina Emerge Victorious Over Brugge in Hard-Fought 3-2 Encounter
Fiorentina endured a challenging home fixture at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, but ultimately prevailed over Brugge by a narrow margin of 3-2.
Riccardo Sottil broke the deadlock for the Viola in the 5th minute, but Hans Vanaken equalized for Brugge in the 17th. Andrea Belotti restored the hosts' lead just after the half-hour mark.
Brugge's Raphael Onyedika was dismissed in the 61st minute, and two minutes later Thiago Modina equalized for the visitors. However, M'Bala Nzola secured a triumph for Fiorentina with a goal in the 91st minute.
The second leg will take place on Wednesday, May 8, at 1:45 PM at the Jan Breydelstadion in Belgium.
