West Ham Win First Major Trophy In 43 Years After Dramatic Victory Over Fiorentina In UEFA Europa Conference League Final
West Ham United won the second edition of the UEFA Europa Conference League on Wednesday night by beating Fiorentina 2-1 in a dramatic final in Prague.
Jarrod Bowen scored a 90th-minute winner after a fine strike by Fiorentina midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura had earlier canceled out a Said Benrahma penalty kick.
This was West Ham’s first major trophy since 1980 when the club last won the FA Cup.
It was also the first major title won by 60-year-old Hammers boss David Moyes since he began his managerial career in 1998.
West Ham, who finished 14th in the Premier League this season, have now qualified for next season’s UEFA Europa League.
Fiorentina were the better team during a goalless first half that was marred by some ugly behavior by a group of West Ham fans.
Fortunately, football took center stage in the second half and Biraghi was involved in the first major incident when he handled the ball inside the Fiorentina 18-yard box.
The referee did not initially point to the spot but reversed his decision following a VAR review and Benrahma smashed home the resultant kick on 62 minutes.
Fiorentina responded brilliantly to falling behind and were level within five minutes thanks to a superb two-touch finish by Bonaventura following a headed assist from Nicolas Gonzalez.
A tense game then appeared to be heading towards extra time until a long-range Lucas Paqueta pass was played into Bowen’s path.
West Ham’s top scorer held his nerve and fired past keeper Pietro Terracciano to send his teammates into raptures.
Moyes is only the second manager ever to win the Conference League, after Jose Mourinho.
The Scot celebrated Bowen’s winner by performing his best Mourinho impersonation as he sprinted down the touchline.
Source: Futbolsi
