Olympiakos Win Heralds New Era for Greek Football in Europe

Cataleya

May 30, 2024 · 1 min read

Olympiakos Win Heralds New Era for Greek Football in Europe
Football | May 30, 2024
Olympiakos striker Ayoub El Kaabi has netted 11 goals in the Europa Conference League this season. (Image: Getty)

Olympiakos made history by defeating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, thus becoming the first Greek team to win a European trophy. Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored the decisive goal four minutes before the end of extra time. Consequently, the video assistant referee confirmed El Kaabi’s goal, marking a second consecutive year of heartbreak for Fiorentina, who had lost last year’s final to West Ham.

El Kaabi’s Performance and Olympiakos’ Journey

Ayoub El Kaabi played a crucial role throughout Olympiakos’ journey to the final. Specifically, he scored 11 goals in the tournament including five in the semi-finals against Aston Villa. By scoring the winning goal in the final, El Kaabi cemented his place in Olympiakos history.

The Match and Teams’ Performances

Olympiakos started the match strongly, eager to reward their passionate supporters who had traveled to Athens. However, both teams had few clear chances in the first half. In the second half, Fiorentina’s Christian Kouame had a chance to score but his poor contact allowed Olympiakos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to make the save. Consequently, extra time was required and during this period, El Kaabi scored the winning goal.

Olympiakos’ Historic Achievement

Olympiakos’ victory in the Europa Conference League final marked a historic achievement for Greek football. Notably, this was the first time a Greek team won a major European trophy. Previously, Panathinaikos was the only Greek team to reach a European final, losing to Ajax in the 1971 European Cup final.

In conclusion, victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final was a historic moment for Greek football. Ultimately, this achievement marked the first time a Greek team won a major European trophy.