Olympiacos win Conference League final to claim first-ever European trophy

Olympiacos secured their first-ever senior European triumph by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy with a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in Athens after extra time. This historic win marks the first major European trophy claimed by a Greek club.

Despite their dominance in Greek football with 47 domestic league titles, Olympiacos had not previously made a significant impact in European competitions.

The UEFA Youth League title earlier this season was their first continental trophy, while the Conference League victory represents their first piece of senior European silverware.

Ayoub El Kaabi's late goal in extra time propelled Olympiacos to victory over Fiorentina in a thrilling final.

Forward Stevan Jovetic, who previously played for Fiorentina, expressed his pride in the team's achievement and commended their hard work throughout the season.

He also acknowledged Fiorentina's efforts, despite their disappointment of losing in the final for the second consecutive year.

Jose Mendilibar's team secured a spot in the Conference League by finishing third in Group A of the Europa League, trailing behind West Ham and Freiburg.

Consequently, they had to compete in an additional knockout round compared to their final opponent Fiorentina, who were among the group winners in the Conference League.

The journey to the final was not without its challenges for the Greek club. Following two 1-0 victories against Ferencvaros in the initial knockout phase, they faced Maccabi Tel Aviv in the round of 16.

Despite a 4-1 defeat to Maccabi in Greece, Olympiacos managed to turn the tables with a remarkable 6-1 victory in a neutral venue in Serbia, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Olympiacos overcame Fenerbahce with a 3-2 win at home and a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.

Their most significant test came in the semi-finals against Aston Villa, where El Kaabi's hat-trick led them to a 4-2 victory at Villa Park. A brace from El Kaabi in the second leg secured a 2-0 win at home, propelling them to the final.

While finishing third in the league guaranteed Olympiacos a spot in the Conference League for the next season, their victory in Athens means they will advance to the Europa League instead.

Mendilibar, who took charge in February, previously led Sevilla to Europa League glory.

On the other hand, Fiorentina, the runners-up, suffered their second defeat in the Conference League final in two years, having lost to West Ham in the previous season.

Italiano's team had an undefeated run in the tournament until the final in Athens.

Despite finishing eighth in Serie A, Fiorentina's participation in European competition was secured before the final, ensuring their return to the Conference League next season.