Olympiacos win Conference League with late goal

Olympiacos win Conference League with late goal

Olympiacos have become the first Greek side to win a European title after they beat Fiorentina 1-0 to be crowned the 2023-24 Conference League champions. 

Fiorentina thought they had taken the lead inside the first 10 minutes but Biraghi’s effort was ruled out by VAR for offside.

But there was little to separate the two sides for the majority of the game, as they traded blows with Fiorentina enjoying the better of the chances on the night.

The Greek side came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, with Iborra flashing his head just inches wide of the Fiorentina net 10 minutes from the end with the match still goalless.

With neither side unable to break the deadlock, the game went to extra-time with the possibility of a penalty shoot-out looming. 

But in the 116th minute of extra time, it was Youssef El Arabi who broke the deadlock by heading in an in-swinging cross to put the Greek side in front.

A lengthy VAR check left everyone inside the ground biting their fingernails but the goal was eventually given, leaving Olympaicos with the task to hold onto their lead for a few more minutes. 

Full match report to follow

Fiorentina's Andrea Belotti reaches for the ball as Konstantinos Tzolakis comes to smother

Fiorentina’s Andrea Belotti reaches for the ball as Konstantinos Tzolakis comes to smother

Podence has his head in his hands as Olympiacos spurn another opportunity to score

Podence has his head in his hands as Olympiacos spurn another opportunity to score

Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic and Olympiacos' David Camo jump to head the ball in Athens

Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic and Olympiacos’ David Camo jump to head the ball in Athens

The ref waves for medical assistance after a nasty clash of heads between Retsos and Belotti

The ref waves for medical assistance after a nasty clash of heads between Retsos and Belotti

Medical staff tend to the two players following a nasty clash of heads during the second half

Medical staff tend to the two players following a nasty clash of heads during the second half

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