- Europa Conference League 2022/23 Season Overview
- Europa Conference League Group Stage Standings
- Knockout Stage Results 2022/23
- Semi-Finals
- UEFA Conference League Final 2023
- Best Performing Teams of the Tournament
- Conference League Player Statistics
- Individual and Team Highlights
- UEFA Conference League 2022/23 Legacy
- FAQs
The UEFA Europa Conference League 22/23 marked the second season of Europe’s newest continental football competition, offering smaller clubs the opportunity to showcase their skills on the European stage. Established in 2021, the competition was designed to provide clubs from nations with lower-ranking leagues a chance to compete in European football, alongside the prestigious UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
In its second season, the Conference League 2022/23 continued to serve as a platform for emerging footballing nations, highlighting the potential of underdog clubs. It also helped strengthen UEFA’s commitment to ensuring that football across Europe remains competitive, with an emphasis on inclusivity. The 2022/23 season, much like its predecessor, featured unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, and a growing reputation for offering compelling football for teams and fans alike.
Europa Conference League 2022/23 Season Overview
The format of the UEFA Conference League 22 23 remained largely unchanged from its inaugural season. The competition kicked off with 32 teams from various European leagues, who were drawn into eight groups of four teams. Teams played each other in a round-robin format, with each club facing the others home and away. The top two teams from each group progressed to the knockout stage, while the third-placed teams were transferred to the UEFA Europa League knockout phase.
Tournament Format
The tournament’s format aimed to ensure that even the smaller clubs had a fair shot at making an impact in Europe. The competition’s rules were straightforward: the first and second-place finishers from each group advanced to the knockout rounds, while the third-placed teams entered the Europa League playoffs.
Once the knockout stage began, it was a single-elimination format, with ties played over two legs. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final followed the same two-leg structure until the decisive match in the final, which was a single game to determine the champion. The winner of the final earned a direct entry into the group stage of the next season’s UEFA Europa League.
The competition format also included specific criteria for ranking teams within the groups, such as head-to-head results, goal difference, and total goals scored, which shaped the overall Conference League 22/23 narrative.
Group Stage Draw
The draw for the group stage set the stage for intense competition, with clubs from all corners of Europe drawn against each other. The balance between top-tier teams and clubs from emerging footballing nations made the competition exciting and unpredictable. Here is an overview of the initial groupings and the Europa Conference League groups 22/23 lineup:
| Group | Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D |
| Group A | Roma | Ludogorets Razgrad | Betis | HJK Helsinki |
| Group B | Partizan | Freiburg | Nantes | AEK Larnaca |
| Group C | Basel | Slovan Bratislava | Djurgardens | Union Berlin |
| Group D | West Ham United | FCSB | Silkeborg | Anderlecht |
| Group E | Trabzonspor | Fiorentina | Hearts | Rigas Futbola |
| Group F | Villarreal | Lech Poznan | Bodo/Glimt | FC Zorya Luhansk |
| Group G | Bodo/Glimt | AZ Alkmaar | Cluj | Montpellier |
| Group H | LASK Linz | Fenerbahce | Rennes | Vitesse |
Europa Conference League Group Stage Standings
At the conclusion of the group stage, the top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout phase, while third-placed teams moved on to the Europa League knockout round play-offs.Throughout the group stage, a few key patterns emerged, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the competing teams, and helping frame the Europa Conference League standings 22/23.
Group Stage Key Takeaways
- Roma performed consistently throughout the group stage, finishing at the top of Group A, while Ludogorets also impressed by securing second place.
- West Ham United emerged as dominant in their group, finishing first, and Silkeborg performed well despite fierce competition.
- Fiorentina had a strong showing, dominating Group E, while Villarreal’s attacking prowess in Group F caught the eye.
Some teams, like AEK Larnaca, struggled to make an impact, while Fenerbahce and Villarreal made it clear they were determined to go deep in the competition.
Group Stage Final Standings
| Group | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Points |
| Group A | Roma | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 6 | 16 |
| Group B | Partizan | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 14 |
| Group C | Basel | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 13 |
| Group D | West Ham United | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 6 | 15 |
| Group E | Fiorentina | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 13 |
| Group F | Villarreal | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 13 |
| Group G | Bodo/Glimt | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 14 |
| Group H | LASK Linz | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 6 | 13 |
Knockout Stage Results 2022/23
As the knockout stage began, the competition heated up. Several memorable matches and dramatic eliminations took place. Roma and Fiorentina were two of the most consistent teams throughout the knockout rounds, each demonstrating their dominance. West Ham’s match against Anderlecht in the Round of 16 was particularly exciting, with the English side edging through on aggregate.
One of the most dramatic moments came when Villarreal battled Bodo/Glimt in a thrilling quarterfinal tie. Villarreal’s resilience was on full display as they overcame a determined Bodo/Glimt side in the second leg, underlining why the Conference League 2022/23 knockout rounds gained so much attention
Semi-Finals
The semifinals brought together two of the most exciting sides of the season: West Ham United and Fiorentina. Their tactical battle in the first leg set the stage for a fierce return match, which saw West Ham secure their place in the final. Meanwhile, Roma and Basel played out an intense tie, with Roma advancing to the final after a comprehensive performance.
The semifinals were full of key performances, including stellar individual efforts from players like Jarrod Bowen of West Ham and Nicolas Gonzalez of Fiorentina.
UEFA Conference League Final 2023
The final was set between West Ham United and Roma, both of whom were eager to win their first major European trophy in decades. The match, played in Prague, saw Roma triumph 2-1, with Nicolo Zaniolo playing a pivotal role in Roma’s victory. The match was a testament to Roma’s tactical discipline and attacking power, while West Ham fought valiantly but fell short.
The win provided Roma with their first-ever UEFA Conference League title and secured them a spot in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League group stage. For many readers, this match is remembered as the Europa Conference League final 23, and it is also widely referenced online as the 2023 Conference League final.
Best Performing Teams of the Tournament
Teams like AEK Larnaca and Bodo/Glimt were able to deliver exceptional performances, despite being considered underdogs. Their consistency throughout the competition demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the Conference League and how it allows smaller clubs to shine.
West Ham and Roma stood out defensively, with both teams showing resilience in the knockout stages. Their solid defensive records were key to their success, as both clubs reached the final with fewer goals conceded compared to other teams.
Teams like Villarreal and Fiorentina were among the top scorers, showcasing excellent offensive play throughout the competition. West Ham’s attacking trio, including Jared Bowen, also earned praise for their ability to convert chances into goals.
Conference League Player Statistics
Cyriel Dessers of Fiorentina was the top scorer of the competition, finishing with 10 goals.
Alphonse Areola of West Ham United earned recognition as the best goalkeeper, keeping several clean sheets during the knockout rounds.
Chris Smalling of Roma was the standout defender, with crucial blocks and headers in high-pressure moments.
Nicolo Zaniolo of Roma was awarded the best midfielder for his key contributions in Roma’s attacking play.
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United emerged as the best forward, with his flair and timely goals.
Jose Mourinho of Roma was named the best manager, leading his team to victory with tactical brilliance.
Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Dortmund was awarded the best young player for his contributions in the early stages of the tournament.
The symbolic best XI featured players like Zaniolo, Dessers, Areola, and Smalling, who helped shape the competition’s narrative.
Individual and Team Highlights
The 2022/23 season of the UEFA Conference League was full of unforgettable moments, including key goals, exceptional performances, and tactical masterclasses. Nicolo Zaniolo’s performance in the final was one of the standout individual moments, while West Ham’s perseverance throughout the knockout rounds made them a fan favorite.
UEFA Conference League 2022/23 Legacy
The 2022/23 season of the UEFA Conference League will be remembered for its unpredictability, with clubs like Roma and West Ham United showing that the competition is about more than just big-name clubs. The tournament’s legacy is one of inclusivity and opportunity, giving clubs a chance to compete on the European stage and cementing its place in the future of European football.
FAQs
Roma won the UEFA Conference League in 2023, defeating West Ham United 2-1 in the final.
Cyriel Dessers of Fiorentina was the top scorer with 10 goals.
The competition involves a group stage, followed by knockout rounds. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
The 2022/23 season showcased the potential for underdog teams to shine and solidified the Conference League as a valuable competition in European football.
The winner of the UEFA Conference League earns a spot in the group stage of the next season’s UEFA Europa League.
