2023 Europa Conference League final vs Fiorentina

Lore & Background

West Ham United's journey to the 2023 Europa Conference League final was a testament to resilience and tactical discipline under manager David Moyes. Having finished 14th in the Premier League — a season that felt like a slog — the Hammers refocused on European glory, grinding past AEK Larnaca, Gent, and AZ Alkmaar in the knockout stages. The final against Fiorentina, a historic Italian side steeped in violet, was a clash of contrasting styles: West Ham's direct, physical approach versus Fiorentina's technical, possession-based game. The match itself was a tense, sweat-soaked affair, with both sides carving chances. West Ham took the lead through a Said Benrahma penalty in the 62nd minute, but Fiorentina equalised via a Giacomo Bonaventura goal just five minutes later — a volley that silenced the traveling fans. The game seemed destined for extra time until Jarrod Bowen latched onto a Lucas Paquetá through ball in the 90th minute, slotting past goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano to secure a 2–1 victory. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the West Ham faithful, who had waited decades for such a moment — a release of 58 years of pent-up longing.

In Their Own Story

The air in Prague was thick with anticipation as the claret and blue army descended on the Fortuna Arena — a sea of flags, scarves, and voices hoarse from years of hope. For West Ham fans, this was more than a final; it was a chance to reclaim a legacy. The first half was a chess match, with Fiorentina controlling possession but West Ham threatening on the counter — Rice barking orders, Bowen stretching the defense. Then, in the 62nd minute, a VAR-reviewed penalty gave Benrahma the chance to break the deadlock. He sent the keeper the wrong way, and the West Ham end erupted in a roar that rattled the stands. But Fiorentina struck back quickly — Bonaventura's volley silencing the Hammers' support, a gut-punch that deflated the air. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, a moment of magic unfolded: Paquetá, with ice in his veins, threaded a perfect pass to Bowen, who raced clear — one-on-one with the keeper — and slotted home. The stadium exploded in a sea of claret and blue, a sound that seemed to shake the old city. Bowen sprinted to the corner flag, mobbed by teammates, as the final whistle confirmed a historic triumph — a moment etched into every Hammer's soul.

Reader's Guide

Set in the Fortuna Arena, Prague, on a warm June evening, the 2023 Europa Conference League final was a showcase of West Ham's grit. The first half saw Fiorentina dominate possession, but West Ham's defence, marshalled by captain Declan Rice, held firm. The breakthrough came from the penalty spot after a handball decision, with Benrahma coolly converting. Fiorentina responded swiftly through Bonaventura, but West Ham never wavered. In the 90th minute, Bowen's clinical finish sealed the win. The aftermath was euphoric: Rice lifted the trophy, and the club celebrated its first major silverware in 43 years. The victory also secured a spot in the 2023–24 Europa League, marking a new chapter for the club.

Did You Know?

• This was West Ham's first European trophy since winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965.
• Jarrod Bowen's 90th-minute winner was the latest goal scored in a UEFA Europa Conference League final.
• David Moyes became the first Scottish manager to win a major European trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2008.
• The final was played at the Fortuna Arena, which was also the venue for the 2013 UEFA Super Cup.