Dynamo Kyiv appeared to be in line for a much needed win but they weren't able to close things out. Instead, Fiorentina never gave up and they found their prize with a late-goal that suddenly puts them on the driver seat to reach the next round in the UEFA Europa League.
The Ukranian looked more active in the first half and even though they had some decent movements going forward, Fiorentina had the best chances early on. Joaquin with a blocked shot in the 13th minute and Mario Gomez with a wide shot in the 18th threatened Shovkovskiy's goal but they weren't able to find the back of the net. Mohamed Salah also had a chance of his own but he was denied by the keeper.
Fiorentina's inaccuracy was punished as Dynamo Kyiv started to take control of the game and the hosts broke the deadlock in the final 10 minutes of the first half with a spectacular goal. Jeremain Lens received the ball on the left flank, cut inside with a dummy move and unleashed a curling shot from outside the box that stunned Neto. Fiorentina's keeper was unable to react and Dynamo secured the lead just before the break to put his side on top.
Fiorentina didn't rattle and they continued to push forward in the second half. Even though the Italian side lacked clarity at times, they continued to have the best chances to score. Matias Fernandez and Borja Valero were quite active in midfield and both Joaquin and Mohamed Salah created havoc on the wings but they weren't able to capitalize on their chances. Dynamo Kyiv adopted a more defensive stance and they tried to counter attack but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella tried to add fresh legs on offense and sent Khuoma Babacar into the pitch in the 77th minute, only seconds after Borja Valero nodded the ball home straight into the post. It looked like Fiorentina was going to return to Italy empty-handed but they found their prize on stoppage time.
Matias Fernandez dribbled from the right side of the pitch and Alberto Aquilani nodded the ball but his effort was blocked by a defender. However, the rebound fell to Khuoma Babacar and the Senegalese striker took his chance well, scoring with an overhead kick that left the keeper frozen to the ground and sent the visiting fans into raptures as this result changes the landscape for Fiorentina.
The referee blew his whistle and the match ended with a 1-1 draw that didn't leave the home fans happy. However, it was a fair result for Fiorentina as they were the better result and they simply didn't deserve to lose.