West Ham United achieved a remarkable feat by winning their first major European trophy in 50 years. In a thrilling Europa League final against Fiorentina, it was Jarrod Bowen’s 90th-minute goal that sealed victory for the London-based side.
The match took place at the Eden Arena in Prague and appeared to be headed for extra-time when Lukas Piketta made a superb pass to Bowen. The West Ham player showed great pace and skill to outrun defenders and find the back of the net to score the decisive goal.
Earlier in the game, West Ham took the lead through a penalty in the 62nd minute. After a VAR review confirmed the handball by Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi, Benarhama confidently converted the spot-kick, celebrating with his fans.
Fiorentina did not back down and immediately responded by equalizing just five minutes later. Giacomo Bonaventura showed his skill to control the ball under pressure from two defenders and slot it past the West Ham goalkeeper to level the score.
Both teams struggled to create significant chances in the first half. Fiorentina dominated possession but did not have a significant drop in the final third, while West Ham had an interval without the ball when Declan Rice easily missed a shot early in the game.
This victory is very important for West Ham. It marked their first major trophy win in more than four decades, their last triumph being in the FA Cup in 1980. The Europa League success also holds historical significance as it is their first European trophy since 1965.
Furthermore, the win ensured West Ham’s qualification for the Europa League for the third consecutive season, a significant achievement for the club. The victory also serves as a memorable farewell for captain Declan Rice, who is expected to leave the team in the upcoming transfer window. Rice has now joined the exclusive club of West Ham captains who have lifted silverware alongside legends Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds.
