Paris, Nov 28 (IANS): Italian club Fiorentina were downed to 10 men just before break but still earned an impressive 2-1 away victory against French Ligue 1's Guingamp to confirm top spot in Europa League Group K.
A win Thursday might have confirmed French Cup holders Guingamp's place in the round of 32, but Jocelyn Gourvennec's side was all but beaten inside 15 minutes, reports Xinhua.
Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has insisted that they claimed the victory through mental strength.
"I saw a team that played almost perfect at the beginning. The team responded great at the start. Then we thought it was all too easy and our performance fell," said the 40-year-old boss.
"I did not like the second half on a tactical level but I liked our mentality and our desire to win. A strong mindset is important. And to prove our mentality abroad is even more beautiful," he added.
The Viola, who had already qualified for the knockout stage before the penultimate round, got off to a dream start as Marko Marin and Khouma Babacar scored before Claudio Beauvue made it 2-1 through penalty.
Alberto Aquilani was first to react after Babacar's shot was parried by goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, but it was Marin, who slotted the ball into the net in the six minutes after receiving the rebound.
Seven minutes later, Fiorentina doubled their lead through Babacar who ran across the defence without being marked and easily met up a smart cross from Juan Manuel Vargas to tap in from close range.
The visitors' Argentine defender Jose Maria Basanta was sent off in the 44th minute for his foul on Sylvain Marveaux as the latter was clear on goal. However, Claudio Beauvue's penalty failed to spark Guingamp revival.
Moustapha Diallo did finally put the ball in the Italians' net in the 89th minute, but was flagged offside when getting on the end of Kerbrat's assist.
"It was a difficult game after the sending off. We really suffered but we deserved to win all three points. We must continue to do well and work hard for the next games," said Babacar.
"I know that the player I have to thank is Vargas. I always believe in his crossing ability," he added.
In the other encounter in France, Saint Etienne were held 1-1 by Azerbaijan team Garabagh in Group F - the fifth draw of the Ligue 1 side from five matches played, keeping their hopes of advance alive.