West Ham has now won two European trophies, after their victory in the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup 58 years ago.
By defeating Fiorentina 2-1 in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, West Ham won their first significant European prize since 1965. Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic 90th-minute winner was the difference.
After winning the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup 58 years ago with a side that included England World Cup heroes Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, it is West Ham’s second European championship title.
Lucas Paqueta delivered an excellent through ball for Bowen, who then fired a low effort past an aggitated Pietro Terracciano in the Fiorentina goal.
“I clearly fantasized about scoring, especially the game-winning goal in the last seconds. Bowen said to BT Sport, “It’s what you always say you want to do.
To perform in front of these supporters. I was on the verge of tears. I’m just content.
In Prague, Said Benrahma scored West Ham’s first goal when he slammed home a penalty on minute 62 after VAR had spotted Cristiano Biraghi handling the ball while attempting to stop Bowen in the box.
Five minutes later, Giacomo Bonaventura equalized with a beautiful, low right-footed shot that beat West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Nicolas Gonzalez, who had jumped over West Ham fullback Emerson, gave a great header back that Bonaventura was able to take advantage of.
Following Roma, who won the first competition last year, the winner’s name will appear on the Conference League trophy for the second time in history.
With the victory, West Ham also secured a place in the Europa League for the upcoming season, whereas Fiorentina was eliminated from the Europa League after placing eighth in Serie A.
The FA Cup was the last significant prize won by West Ham in 1980.
They battled the possibility of relegation for the majority of the previous season, ultimately finishing 14th in the Premier League.
