GOALS FROM MARIO Gomez and Mohamed Salah ensured Fiorentina a 2-0 win over Tottenham and a place in the UEFA Europa League’s last 16 on Thursday.
With the tie marginally in Fiorentina’s favour after a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane last week, Pochettino’s side were made to pay the price for their inability to score in Florence.
Had Roberto Soldado not underhit a pass to Nacer Chadli with just Neto in their way during a quick first-half break, the Premier League side may have been able to get on top in the tie.
However, Gomez’s calm finish nine minutes into the second half gave the hosts a platform before Jan Vertonghen afforded Chelsea loanee Salah a golden opportunity to double the lead 19 minutes from time.
After the Belgian failed to shepherd the ball to Hugo Lloris, Salah stole in and poked the ball home to effectively end the tie and see Vincenzo Montella’s side into the next round
Meanwhile, Fredy Guarin’s superb late goal was enough to see Inter through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with a 4-3 aggregate success over 10-man Celtic.
The two sides played out an enthralling 3-3 draw in the first leg at Parkhead last week and, although Thursday’s fixture at San Siro lacked that goalmouth action, the two sides still produced an entertaining affair.
Celtic saw defender Virgil van Dijk dismissed for receiving two cautions in the first half – the first of which seemed somewhat harsh.
From that point on, Inter were well on top and only some last-ditch defending and a fine goalkeeping display from Craig Gordon kept the scores level until Guarin produced something special in the 88th minute.
The Colombian picked up a pass from Davide Santon and arrowed a shot into the top corner from just outside the area.
