Olympiakos became the first Greek club ever to win a European title after a 1-0 extra time defeat of Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored the winning goal in the 116th minute that allowed Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side to make history in the home of local rivals AEK Athens. Prior to Olympiakos’ success, Panathinaikos were the only club from Greece to make a European final when they lost to a Johan Cruyff-inspired Ajax in the 1971 European Cup decider.
“I’m really happy. The team has made history. Mendilibar has made us a strong team. He told us we have to play as a family,” said midfielder Santiago Hezze.
Mendilibar, 63, became the Greek side’s third manager of the season when he took over the reins in February and he now has back-to-back European trophies after winning the Europa League with Sevilla last year.—AFP
