Olympiakos Clinch First Major European Trophy with 1-0 Victory Over Fiorentina

Olympiakos secured their first major European trophy by defeating Fiorentina 1-0 in extra-time in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.

The historic victory occurred at the home of their domestic rivals, AEK Athens.

In a match characterised by high intensity and physical battles but a lack of goals, both sides struggled to break the deadlock during the regulation 90 minutes.

The decisive moment came in the 116th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi scored the winner, finally finding the net in a tense and nervy encounter.

With the game appearing destined for a penalty shootout, El Kaabi managed to get in front of his marker and bundled in a cross from Santiago Hezze.

The goal, however, was subjected to a lengthy VAR review to check for offside, adding to the tension before it was ultimately awarded.

Fiorentina, who had reached the final without losing a game this season, suffered their second consecutive defeat in a Europa Conference League final.

Despite creating several opportunities, they failed to capitalise, keeping key chances unconverted.

Olympiakos head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar expressed his delight after the match.

I am thrilled that we achieved something the club had not achieved before. We will celebrate, we will cheer, and then we will get back to work for what comes next, he said.

The first half ended goalless, with Fiorentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez missing a crucial chance towards the end of a tight period.

Although Fiorentina appeared likelier to score, with Christian Kouame also missing a good opportunity, Olympiakos held firm and started creating their chances.

Vicente Iborra narrowly missed with a glancing header, sending the match into extra time.

Substitute Stevan Jovetic, a former Fiorentina player, forced a sharp save from Pietro Terracciano, but the decisive moment came shortly after with El Kaabi’s dramatic winner.

Source: SkySports

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