The Europa Conference League has delivered its winner. On Wednesday 07 June 2023, West Ham claimed the trophy by beating Fiorentina 2-1 in the final. Morocco's Nayef Aguerd and Algeria's Saïd Benrahma won their first European Cup.
History. West Ham have won their first European Cup since 1965 (European Cup Winners' Cup). The Hammers beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the final of the Europa Conference League.
The first warning shot of the game was fired by the English in the 2nd minute. After a run, Paqueta fed Antonio, whose shot was well saved by Terracciano. The Hammers wanted to take their opponents by the scruff of the neck with high pressure. Declan Rice also tried a shot from outside the area (12th), but it was off target. After this lively start, the two sides began to stare each other down. The stakes took precedence over the game
The highlight of the first half between Fiorentina and West Ham was an incident in the stands. Fiorentina's Biraghi was meant to take a corner, but was hit in the head by a cup (33rd). As a result, he sustained an injury and bled profusely. The match was suspended for five minutes. After the restart, Luka Jovic thought he had opened the scoring for the Viola (45+5). However, the Serb was offside. Goal disallowed. The half-time whistle sounded with the score at 0-0.
Benrahma strikes, Bonaventura strikes back
The second half began at the same pace. At the same time, both teams did not want to jeopardise their chances of competing in the Europa League next season. West Ham (14th in the Premier League) and Fiorentina (8th in Serie A) finished outside the European places in their leagues. Caution is therefore, according to both teams, the best weapon in this final.
Nevertheless, the situation began to unravel on the hour mark. Biraghi touched the ball with his hand in his own area. After consulting VAR, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Algerian Said Benrahma took the penalty and opened the scoring (62nd), his third goal of the season in the competition. England's joy was short-lived, however, as Giacomo Bonaventura equalised five minutes later.
Bowen at the right time
Two goals in quick succession seemed to whet the appetite of both sides. Chance after chance followed chance. First, Antonio headed Soucek in from a long throw-in. The latter tried his luck but was denied by Terracciano (80'). Then, a minute later, Soucek tried his luck with a header for West Ham. But Terracciano saved again. Then, in the 86th minute, Sofyan Amrabat tried his luck from distance. But the Moroccan midfielder came up against Areola, who caught the ball perfectly. The breakthrough came in the 90th minute for England. Thrust deep by Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen outpaced the defence and beat the keeper (2-1). The Hammers stunned Fiorentina, who never looked back. Thanks to this success, West Ham will be playing in the Europa League next season.
CHAMPIONES, CHAMPIONES, OLE OLE OLE! pic.twitter.com/4mJQRQIwru
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 7, 2023
