East London football club West Ham United claimed their first major European trophy in 40 years with a stunning victory in the Europa Conference League final.
The intense match took place at the Eden Arena in Prague and provided a thrilling finish for the fans.
The game looked destined for extra-time until the 90th minute when West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen made a crucial breakthrough. Lucas Piketta delivered a perfectly timed pass, allowing Bowen to outrun the defenders and slot the ball into the net, giving his side the win.
Earlier in the match, West Ham took the lead through a penalty in the 62nd minute. After a VAR review confirmed a handball by Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi, Seyed Benrahma confidently converted the spot-kick, sparking jubilant celebrations among the West Ham supporters.
Fiorentina, determined to make a comeback, quickly responded. Just five minutes after conceding a penalty, Giacomo Bonaventura showed exceptional control to find the back of the net with an angled shot to level the scores.
Both teams faced challenges throughout the match. Neither team was able to create many scoring chances in the first half. Fiorentina dominated possession but lacked a significant deficit, while West Ham struggled after Declan Rice’s early shot missed the target.
West Ham’s victory in the Europa Conference League final has historical significance. It is their first major trophy in four decades since winning the FA Cup in 1980. Moreover, it is their first European trophy since 1965.
The victory has sparked further emotion as it could be the last match for West Ham captain Declan Rice, who is expected to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Rice joins an elite group of West Ham captains, including Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to lift silverware in the club’s 128-year history.
By securing a place in next season’s Europa League, West Ham have now qualified for European competitions for three consecutive seasons, a feat they had not previously achieved. The club’s success is a source of immense joy for their loyal fans and a sign of remarkable success for the team.