Ayoub El Kaabi scored four minutes before the end of extra time, leading Olympiakos to victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, making them the first Greek team to win a European trophy.
The Moroccan striker, pivotal in Olympiakos’ journey to the final, headed in Santiago Hezze’s cross, igniting celebrations at the AEK Arena in Athens. After a lengthy VAR check, El Kaabi’s 11th goal of the competition was confirmed, securing Olympiakos’ place in Greek football history.
This marked a second consecutive year of heartbreak for Fiorentina, who were defeated by West Ham in last season’s final with a late goal from Jarrod Bowen.
Olympiakos started strongly, fueled by their fervent supporters who traveled from Piraeus to AEK’s home ground in northern Athens. This was only the second time a Greek team had reached a European final, while Fiorentina were contesting their sixth.
The first half saw both teams creating potential chances but failing to convert them into goals. On-loan Wolves midfielder Daniel Podence forced Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano into a fine save early on. Giacomo Bonaventura missed a clear opportunity for Fiorentina, with his weak shot easily saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Fiorentina crafted the best move of the night in the second half when right-back Dodo advanced and set up Christian Kouame inside the box, but Kouame’s poor contact allowed Tzolakis to clear the ball.
Extra time was needed, and it was El Kaabi, who had scored five goals in the semi-finals against Aston Villa, who once again delivered when it mattered most.
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