AEK Athens upset Fiorentina 1-0 as two Viola goals were chalked off by VAR, deepening Fiorentina’s crisis. For punters, this suggests caution on Fiorentina match-winner punts — consider backing AEK or a draw-no-bet and markets such as under 2.5 goals or AEK +0 on the Asian handicap.
AEK Athens stun Fiorentina as VAR ruins Viola hopes
Fiorentina’s hopes of calmer waters were dashed as AEK Athens claimed a 1-0 victory at the Artemio Franchi. Mijat Gacinovic’s close-range finish on 35 minutes proved decisive, while two Fiorentina efforts were ruled out by VAR, leaving the hosts frustrated and still searching for a first Serie A win of the season amid mounting pressure.
Match facts
Fiorentina 0-1 AEK Athens — Artemio Franchi, 27 November 2025 Goal: Mijat Gacinovic 35' (AEK)
Lineups and absences
Fiorentina started with Edin Dzeko up front; Dodo, Robin Gosens and Tariq Lamptey were unavailable, and Roberto Piccoli was sidelined with an ankle issue. AEK were without Frantzdy Pierrot and Dereck Kutesa; Luka Jovic and Thomas Strakosha featured for the visitors.
First half: AEK strike amid VAR controversy
AEK went ahead when Mijat Gacinovic converted from close range after a marshalled attack down the right. Fiorentina thought they had replies twice in the half — a header from Cher Ndour diverted in only to be ruled offside after a VAR check, and Rolando Mandragora’s strike was wiped out due to an earlier offside on the build-up. Those decisions set the tone for a tense second half.
Second half: Fiorentina pressure, but no breakthrough
The Viola dominated territory and chances: Edin Dzeko forced a save, and a long VAR delay eventually disallowed a Luca Ranieri finish for offside. Substitutions failed to change the outcome as AEK defended doggedly, with Zini nearly doubling the visitors’ lead when his shot struck the post late on. Fiorentina rattled the frame again but could not find a leveller.
Tactical analysis
AEK set up compactly and punished Fiorentina on a transitional moment. Fiorentina’s attacking intent produced chances, especially from set-pieces and crosses, but the final ball and clinical finishing were lacking. VAR interventions also disrupted Fiorentina’s momentum and arguably deflated their fightback attempts.
What this means for Fiorentina
The defeat compounds a widening confidence issue and intensifies scrutiny on the coaching set-up. With injuries limiting options and VAR decisions going against them, Fiorentina must tighten defensive communication and find sharper attacking combinations to reverse form in domestic and European fixtures.
Betting takeaways
Punters should note Fiorentina’s recent struggles and AEK’s defensive resilience. Consider alternatives to backing Fiorentina outright: AEK or draw-no-bet, Asian handicap +0 for AEK, or markets such as under 2.5 goals where the match showed low scoring efficiency. Monitor team news and any late injury updates before staking.
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