Jagiellonia Bialystok surprised Fiorentina in the early stages of their return, with Bartosz Mazurek scoring in the 23rd minute and again just before half-time to reduce the gap to 0-3 on aggregate. After last week’s home loss, the draw seemed all but certain, but they turned the tide with a quick reaction.

Fiorentina – Jagiellonia Bialystok: Mazurek’s opening goal in the 23rd minute and immediate double

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, when Afimiko Pururu stopped play near the penalty area and sent a one-touch pass to Mazurek. The visiting forward saved the first shot and then connected the rebound into the net. This goal gave Jagiellonia the lead after losing 3-0 at home a week earlier, effectively putting the Polish team on the brink of elimination.

Just before the interval, 19-year-old Mazurek improved his record. He took a shot from the corner of the penalty area, but it deflected away and over the Fiorentina goalkeeper. The second goal was Mazurek’s second for the club and his first in the Conference League. By half-time, Jagiellonia had two goals back and entered the second half with much different stakes than at kick-off.

Afimiko Pruru, club message and Adrian Sieminiec’s reaction

Jagiellonia’s stance before the match was clear. The team was going to Florence not just to process, but to fight. Fans responded to the message, filling a sector specially reserved for away supporters. Afimiko Pururu’s presence and play in the early stages directly led to the opening goal, and the loss in the first leg highlighted how costly his absence was. That connection, Pruru’s contribution that led to Mazurek’s opener, shows a simple cause-and-effect relationship. An attacking combination that was previously lacking helped create chances and tangible results when reintroduced.

Coach Adrian Siemiec named his starting lineup for the match and then addressed the aftermath of the 3-0 loss. Although the details of his response were not disclosed, his choices and early tactics had an immediate impact on the scoreboard. Florence’s quick reaction reduced the total margin to a more manageable level and changed the course of the game from half-time.

What makes this remarkable is the timing and source of Jagiellonia’s resurgence. The young forward, who scored his first conference league goal, and the returning attacking presence combined to change a draw that many observers thought was settled after a heavy defeat in the first leg. A quick goal, a cheering crowd and a second just before the break created a tangible momentum heading into the second half.

Poland’s other continental players also made moves in their games, with one domestic team improving in the UEFA standings following a midweek victory. This broader context highlights the pressing importance of Jagiellonia to sustaining its recovery. When national coefficients and qualifications come into play, a single game swing can have more of an impact than a single draw.

So far, Jagiellonia’s players and staff have proven that they can quickly close the gap to near elimination. The 19-year-old scored two goals, one from a rebound and one from a deflection, closing the gap to three goals from the first leg. The remainder of the tie will depend on whether they can turn their early effectiveness into sustained pressure and further scoring opportunities in the second half.