Fiorentina 2-1 Barcelona: Federico Bernardeschi brace upsets Champions League

The hosts’ Federico Bernardeschi proved to be the star of the evening at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, scoring twice in the opening 12 minutes to all-but wrap up victory in a quickfire start from the Italian outfit.

In a game which produced some brilliant attacking football, two quick-fire goals from Federico Bernardeschi proved enough for Fiorentina to see off the Spanish giants, despite pulling one back through Luis Suarez.

Bernardeschi opened the scoring after just five minutes heading in a flawless cross from the right leaving Marc Andre ter Stegen with no chance.

Despite Barca’s high pressing it was Fiorentina who would find themselves on the score-sheet once again, as Milan Badelj robbed the ball in the middle of the field and after some smart footwork the 26-year-old Croatian lobbed the ball up-field to Joaquin, who duly squared a pass across goal to the on-rushing Bernardeschi for his second goal.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has rubbished suggestions playing alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is easy.

“We played against a very strong side, but we can not just let men go clear on goal like that”, said head coach Luis Enrique, whose makeshift back four consisted of Jordi Alba, Thomas Vermaelen, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto. “I would have liked Sevilla to win it if we weren’t in it, though”.

Before the game even started, transfer target Davide Astori was spotted in the stands, serving as confirmation that he is soon to be unveiled as a Fiorentina player. “Giuseppe Rossi’s recovery is a huge boost for the team and I hope he has a great season”.