Kiev, April 17 (IANS): Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev drew at home 1-1 against Italy's Fiorentina in the Europa League quarterfinal first leg, letting a one-goal lead slip away in the dying minutes of the game.

The match was not easy for the hosts since the very beginning at the Olympic Stadium here on Thursday night, reports Xinhua.

In the opening 30 minutes, Fiorentina pressed very high and created better chances to score. For its part, Dynamo tried to create goal scoring opportunities but could not break down Viola's resolute defence.

The Ukrainian side broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Jeremain Lens hit the target with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. After the goal, both sides slowed the tempo but Fiorentina still dominated ball possession and kept playing in Dynamo's half.

In the 92nd minute, the Italian side were rewarded with a well-deserved equaliser after Khouma Babacar's shot found the bottom right corner of Dynamo's net.

The two teams will meet for the return match on April 23 in Florence.