In a dramatic conclusion to the Europa Conference League, Olympiakos captured their first significant European trophy by defeating Fiorentina with a late extra-time goal from Ayoub El Kaabi. The match, held at the stadium of Olympiakos’s rivals, AEK Athens, remained uneventful until the final moments of extra time when El Kaabi scored the decisive goal, making the score 1-0.
The victory marked a historic moment for Olympiakos as they became the first Greek team to win a European trophy. In contrast, Fiorentina faced disappointment for the second consecutive year, having lost the final to West Ham the previous season.
The game saw minimal chances until a late surge in action. Fiorentina initially thought they had taken the lead early in the match when Nikola Milenkovic found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Fiorentina continued to create more opportunities, though they failed to capitalize on them. Nicolás González missed a significant chance towards the end of the first half, and Christian Kouamé also missed a key opportunity to score.
The match’s climax came with a lengthy VAR review to confirm El Kaabi’s goal, which ultimately stood, handing Olympiakos the long-awaited victory.
Tense Moments Extend Europa Conference League Final to Extra Time
Olympiakos held their ground and began to create their own opportunities, but Vicente Iborra’s attempt drifted wide as he sent a glancing header off target, pushing the Europa Conference League final into an extra period for the first time. Coming off the bench, former Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic tested Pietro Terracciano with a sharp effort, signaling that a decisive moment of brilliance was just around the corner.
El Kaabi’s Stellar Season Culminates in Triumph
In a campaign that will be long remembered, El Kaabi’s exceptional form was highlighted by his five goals in the semi-final victory over Aston Villa. The season reached its pinnacle with his 33rd goal in all competitions, as he brilliantly headed in Santiago Hezze’s cross, sparking jubilant celebrations in nearby Piraeus.
The tension mounted as players from both teams anxiously awaited the VAR decision. Ultimately, the verdict favored Olympiacos, allowing them to maintain their lead through the match’s final moments. Under the guidance of José Luis Mendilibar, who became the club’s third manager this season, Olympiacos clinched consecutive European trophies, building on his previous success with Sevilla in the Europa League.
