In what was a nail-biting showdown from Athens on Wednesday night, Olympiacos got their hands on a maiden piece of European silverware as they secured a 1-0 victory against Fiorentina in extra-time.
With the Greek giants only having to travel down the road for their date with destiny, we were treated to a battle that was high on intensity but relatively low on quality at both ends of the pitch.
However, although it might have appeared almost destined that Wednesday’s showpiece event would be heading to penalties, the red-hot Ayoub El Kaabi once again proved to be Olympiacos’ ultimate hero.
With the 30-year-old glancing his header home from close range in the 116th minute, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side became the first Greek club in history to lift a piece of European silverware.
As for Fiorentina, suffering major European heartbreak last season as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against West Ham in the 2022/23 final, the Viola failed to claim some immediate revenge and they were hit with another major phycological blow.
On a night when Olympiacos became just the third Europa Conference League champions, we have taken a look at the key talking points.
Olympiacos make European history
Storming their way to a showdown in Athens after clinching a remarkable 6-2 aggregate victory against Premier League outfit Aston Villa in the semi-finals, Olympiacos have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent this season.
Already edging past the likes of Turkish icons Fenerbahce on route to Wednesday’s date with destiny, the Piraeus have certainly had to climb over some heavyweight hurdles during their European charge this year.
On the verge turning 100 years old, Olympiacos’ iconic 1-0 victory on Wednesday night will rightfully be regarded as the greatest moment in their history.
Although they might have been dealing with a host of public issues behind the scenes earlier in the season, Mendilibar has done a remarkable job since…
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Author : Tom Dunstan
Publish date : 2024-05-30 10:30:00
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