West Ham has won their first European championship in 58 years following a dramatic goal from Jarrod Bowen in the Europa Conference League championship match against Fiorentina.
West Ham spent most of their domestic season fighting to avoid relegation after a poor Premier League season. However, the Europa Conference League proved a pleasant change. The only problem was a 1-1 tie in the first leg of the quarterfinal match against Gent, which was their sole loss after posting a flawless 100% record in the group stage.
A spot in the group stage of the Europa League for the upcoming season is West Ham’s reward for winning the competition, in addition to bringing home the trophy.
Declan Rice became the first captain of the Hammers since the late Bobby Moore in 1965 to raise a continental trophy, the Cup Winners’ Cup, in what may have been his final game for the club.
The team made its first participation in a European final since 1976 after making it all the way to last season’s Europa League semifinals.
During the game, Fiorentina enjoyed the advantage in possession and more than doubled West Ham’s number of shots on goal. However, the match went without anyone scoring for a little over an hour when Said Benrahma scored from the penalty spot to break the tie.
Giacomo Bonaventura equalised after the lead lasted hardly any time at all. But Bowen, who had been let through on goal, maintained his cool to score beyond Pietro Terracciano, giving the Hammers the lead with seconds remaining.
