Video: Wild scenes from fans in Athens as Olympiacos beat Fiorentina to clinch Europa Conference League title
Olympiacos came from behind to beat Fiorentina and claim their first ever European title.
Since Vincenzo Italiano took over at Fiorentina, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once relegation has been decided, Fiorentina have become Europe's biggest rivals.
However, the journey under Italiano has been bittersweet as the team has reached the final three times without winning a single title. These many misses continued with the latest defeat in the Europa Conference League final against Olympiacos on Wednesday evening.
Olympiacos made European history by defeating Fiorentina
Fiorentina's journey to the Europa Conference League final has been full of determination and determination. Despite their efforts, they fell short at the crucial moment, losing 1-0 to the Greek side in extra time. The game, played at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, was a historic one for Olympiacos, the first time the club won a European competition final on home soil since Feyenoord won the UEFA Cup final in Rotterdam in 2002.
The final was a closely watched battle, which was characterized by intensity and stamina but lacked clear opportunities. Both teams struggled to break the deadlock during the 90 minutes of regulation, leading to a tense extra time.
With the game seemingly heading to penalties, Ayoub El Kaabi emerged as the hero of the Greek giants. In the 116th minute, he headed home Santiago Hezze's cross, and after a difficult VAR check for offside, the goal was awarded, sealing Olympiacos' first major European trophy.
Fiorentina lost consecutively in the final of the Europa Conference League
The defeat marked Fiorentina's second successive defeat in the Europa Conference League final. Previously, they also reached the Coppa Italia final, but failed. Each final has been a testament to the team's progress under the Italiano, but the hard silverware remains elusive.
Olympiacos lifted the European Cup for the first time in its history
Olympiacos lifted their first ever European trophy ??? pic.twitter.com/hvvb02Lf0L
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballantnt) May 29, 2024
As well as jubilant scenes from players and fans at their Greek rivals' stadium, there were dramatic scenes in Athens as Olympiacos fans let off flares and fireworks as they gathered in their thousands to celebrate the club's historic victory.
Dramatic scenes in Athens as Olympiacos make European football history! ???
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballantnt) May 29, 2024
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