Fiorentina vs West Ham: Hammers break 43 year jinx, win ECL final in style

Fiorentina vs West Ham: Hammers break 43 year jinx, win ECL final in style

Akan Anwankwo 22:46 - 07.06.2023

West Ham are the new winners of the 2023 Europa Conference League, their first trophy in 43 years.

West Ham United emerged Europa Conference League winners after beating Fiorentina in the final played at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.

The 2-1 win over the Italian side means David Moyes' side have now automatically qualified for the Europa League next season.

However, it was a second final defeat for the Serie A side following their 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia a couple of weeks back.

Summary of the game

West Ham | PulseSports.ng
West Ham

Fiorentina started on a promising note as they had the better of the possession and showed their attacking intent in the game.

However, an ugly incident occurred in the corner flank after captain Cristiano Biraghi was pelted with an object by a suspected Hammers’ fan that gave him a cut at the back of his head.

Biraghi received treatment as West Ham players had to plead with their fans to restore calm before the match continued but produced no goals at half time.

West Ham | PulseSports.ng
West Ham

It was the Premier League side who got the first real chance in the game after being awarded a penalty for a handball by Biraghi.

Said Benrahma took responsibility and converted the resulting spot kick as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. 1-0 it was in the 67nd minute.

Five minutes later Fiorentina gave an immediate response as Giacomo Bonaventura leveled matters with a shot from outside the 18-yard box to make it 1-1.

The Hammers scored the winner in the 90th minute as Lucas Pacqueta’s through ball found Jarod Bowen who timed his run to perfection to slot the decisive goal. 2-1 it finished.

Coach David Moyes who was one of the bookmakers' favourites to be sacked successfully led the London club to their first trophy in 43 years.

Former Chelsea defender Emerson became the first player to win all continental club competitions in Europe.

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