Italian Fiorentina took a big step towards the semi-finals of the Football Conference League, by defeating Lech Poznan , Poland, 4-1, Thursday, in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

Fiorentina scored early, in the fourth minute, through Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral. Norwegian striker Christopher Filde equalized in the 20th minute, but Argentine striker Nicholas Gonzalez restored the lead for the guests in the 41st minute.

Veteran captain Jacomo Bonaventure strengthened Fiorentina's lead at the beginning of the second half by scoring the third goal (58), and Frenchman Jonathan Iconé concluded the festival with the fourth goal (63).

In turn, Anderlecht of Belgium took a big step towards the semi-finals by defeating its Dutch guest AZ Alkmaar with two clean goals scored by Panamanian Mikael Moreo (22) and Ghanaian Majid Achimero (70).

West Ham United of England returned to a valuable draw from the land of its host, Ghent, Belgium, 1-1.

West Ham United opened the scoring in the 40th minute through Moroccan international defender Nayef Akrad, but the goal was canceled due to a handball on the latter after resorting to the video assistant referee (VAR).

West Ham returned to scoring against its guests, specifically after eight minutes, this time by striker Danny Ings, with a left-footed shot from close range, following a pass from Jarrod Bowen (45 + 3).

Hugo Kuipers managed to equalize at the beginning of the second half, with a left-footed shot from inside the area, following a pass from Alesso Castro-Montes (57).

Switzerland's Basel tied at home to Nice, France, 2-2.

Zaki Amdoni gave Basel the lead in the 26th minute from a penalty kick, and Nice responded with a double for his Nigerian striker Terim Movi in the 38th and 45 + 1 minutes, before Amdoni equalized with his second personal goal and his team in the 71st minute.
The return matches will be held next Thursday.