Olympiakos made history with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League semi-final, securing their place in the final against Fiorentina. The Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of the match, scoring both goals and securing a 6-2 aggregate win for Olympiakos. This victory marks Olympiakos’ first appearance in a major European final, making them the second Greek club to achieve this feat after Panathinaikos.
The UEFA Europa Conference League is the third tier of continental club football in Europe, behind the Europa League and the Champions League. Olympiakos, who have been champions of Greece a record 47 times, will now face Italian side Fiorentina in the final on May 29. The team’s success is credited to their manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who took charge in February and has already made himself an icon in the Olympiakos community.
Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest, has seen his team struggle in European competitions in the past. However, this season has been a turning point for Olympiakos, and if they can lift the first European trophy in their 99-year history, it would be a significant achievement for Greek football. Additionally, Olympiakos’ Under-19 team recently won the UEFA Youth League final, adding to the club’s success this season.
Fiorentina, who lost in last season’s Europa Conference League final against West Ham, will now face Olympiakos in the final after defeating Club Brugge in the semi-final. Villa’s exit from the competition was disappointing, as they failed to reach a European final since 1982. However, the team must now focus on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Olympiakos’ victory over Villa was sealed by El Kaabi’s second goal in the 78th minute, further solidifying their dominance in the match. Despite a strong start from Villa, Olympiakos maintained control and defended resolutely to secure their spot in the final. The pressure is on Villa to bounce back and finish the Premier League season strong in hopes of securing a top-four finish.
The upcoming Europa Conference League final between Olympiakos and Fiorentina promises to be an exciting match, with both teams aiming to claim the title. Olympiakos, under Mendilibar’s leadership, will look to continue their impressive run and make history by lifting their first European trophy. The final will take place at the AEK Arena, adding an extra layer of rivalry and excitement to the match. Overall, Olympiakos’ journey to the final exemplifies their resilience and determination to succeed on the European stage.
