Olympiacos etched their name in the history books by becoming the first side Greek side to win a European trophy after their triumph against Fiorentina in the final of the UEFA Conference League. Both sides were not able to break the deadlock in regulation time, which meant that the game would go into extra time. Just when it looked like the final would be decided on penalties, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a special moment. The Moroccan striker found the back of the net in the 116th minute after a beautiful cross from Santiago Hezzee.
Kaabi almost had nothing to do all game, but showed his brilliance by scoring the most important goal in Olympiacos‘ history. The goal was checked for a potential offside but was deemed fair, which resulted in a roar across the OPAP Arena in Athens. The team had a few chances but never looked like the side that would score the winning goal. They put in a great shift in defence with the likes of Panagiotis Retsos and David Carmo stepping up to every challenge the Italian side was throwing at them.
Fiorentina were the favourites coming into the game. They already had the experience of playing in the final of the Conference League last season. Many expected them to run away with the game, but Olympiacos’ resilient performance made things very difficult for them. While they were able to create a few chances during the game, Fiorentina failed to make the most of it and this eventually resulted in another European heartbreak for them.
Jose Luis Mendilibar’s created history with Olympiacos
Jose Luis Mendilibar was appointed as the coach of the Olympiacos team in February. Despite not having the team for a full season, he worked magic with the Greek side and led them to their first European trophy. On their way to the Conference League triumph, Olympiacos had to go through some tough teams. However, they managed to do well and credit for that certainly goes to their manager Mendilibar.
The season has been a tough one for Olympiacos. The club management has been in blows with the Greek FA over some decisions made against them. Keeping all of that noise aside, Olympiacos made their way into the Conference League finals by beating Aston Villa in the semi-final. This was a great achievement as they became only the second Greek side to reach the final of a European trophy.
Fiorentina had some big names like Andrea Belloti, Nicolas Gonzalez and Christian Kouame on their side. However, it was the Greek side that prevailed, courtesy of a goal from their talismanic striker. Mendilibar once again showed his ace coaching ability as he won a European trophy for the second year in a row. He won the Europa League with Sevilla last season under similar circumstances. After being appointed as their coach in March, Mendilibar led the Spanish side to their seventh Europa League trophy. He certainly needs to receive respect from the footballing world as his work in the last two seasons has been incredible.
