Olympiacos players celebrate a crucial moment in the match. | © Twitter (@megfootball)
Ayoub El Kaabi scored with four minutes left in extra time, helping Olympiakos beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, making them the first Greek club to win a European trophy.
A long video assistant referee check confirmed El Kaabi’s 11th goal of the competition, securing a place in Greek football history for Olympiakos.
This marked the second consecutive year of heartbreak for Fiorentina, who were defeated by West Ham in last season’s final with Jarrod Bowen’s late goal.
Olympiakos started strong, eager to impress their passionate fans who had made the short trip from Piraeus to their rivals AEK’s home ground in northern Athens.
This was only the second time a Greek team reached a European final, while Fiorentina were making their sixth appearance.
Both teams had a lively first half with lots of action but few clear chances.
Daniel Podence, on loan from Wolves, forced Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano into a great save in the first three minutes.
Giacomo Bonaventura had a chance to put Fiorentina ahead, but his weak shot was easily caught by Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Fiorentina’s best play of the night came in the second half when right-back Dodo advanced and passed to Christian Kouame in the box, but Kouame’s poor touch allowed Tzolakis to clear the ball.
Extra time was needed, and it was El Kaabi who scored five goals in the semi-finals against Aston Villa who stepped up once again.
