Europa Conference League Final Preview: Olympiakos and Fiorentina battle for glory!
Olympiakos and Fiorentina are set to face off in the Europa Conference League Final, with both teams eager to etch their names in European football history. Olympiakos, having finished third in the Greek Super League, is on the cusp of securing their first-ever European trophy, a milestone that would cement their legacy beyond domestic dominance. Meanwhile, Fiorentina, who battled fiercely to an eighth-place finish in Serie A, aim to recapture the continental glory that has eluded them since the 1960s. As these two storied clubs prepare for a showdown of epic proportions, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with passion, skill, and the unyielding pursuit of footballing greatness.
Road to the Europa Conference League Final:
Olympiakos
Olympiakos’ journey to the Europa Conference League Final has been a testament to their resilience and determination, particularly after dropping down from the Europa League. Their campaign began in the play-offs against Ferencváros, where a narrow 1-0 victory in both legs secured their place in the competition. Their first major challenge came in the Round of 16 against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite a heavy 4-1 defeat in the first leg, Olympiakos staged a remarkable comeback, winning 6-1 in the second leg after extra time to advance with a 7-5 aggregate score.
The quarter-finals saw Olympiakos face Turkish giants Fenerbahçe. A thrilling 3-2 home victory set the stage, but a 1-0 loss in the return leg meant the tie was decided by penalties, where Olympiakos held their nerve to progress. In the semi-finals, Olympiakos delivered a commanding performance against Aston Villa, winning 4-2 away and 2-0 at home, securing their spot in the final with an impressive 6-2 aggregate score.
IT IS OVER ASTON VILLA 😓
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 9, 2024
Olympiacos QUALIFY to the UEFA Europa Conference League FINAL to face Fiorentina 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3YIBmB7EBO
Throughout the tournament, Olympiakos showcased their attacking prowess, scoring 18 goals at an average of 2.25 per match. Their defense, while conceding 10 goals (1.25 per match), managed to keep three clean sheets. Key to their success has been their ability to recover possession, averaging 43.38 balls recovered per match, coupled with a solid passing accuracy of 75.88%.
Fiorentina
Fiorentina’s road to the Europa Conference League Final has been a journey of consistent performance and strategic prowess, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. The campaign began with a setback in the play-offs against Rapid Wien, losing 1-0 in the first leg. However, Fiorentina bounced back with a 2-0 victory in the second leg, advancing with a 2-1 aggregate score.
In the group stage, Fiorentina demonstrated their offensive strength and resilience. They played out a 2-2 draw against both Genk and Ferencváros, followed by a commanding 6-0 win over Čukarički. A 1-0 away victory over Čukarički and a 2-1 home win against Genk further solidified their group stage dominance, culminating in a 1-1 draw with Ferencváros to secure their progression.
The Round of 16 pitted Fiorentina against Maccabi Haifa in a thrilling tie. A high-scoring 4-3 victory away was followed by a 1-1 draw at home, allowing Fiorentina to advance with a 5-4 aggregate score. In the quarter-finals, Fiorentina faced Viktoria Plzeň, where a goalless draw in the first leg set the stage for a decisive 2-0 victory after extra time in the second leg.
SECOND TIME IN A ROW 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 8, 2024
Fiorentina QUALIFY to UEFA Europa Conference League after BEATING Club Brugge in aggregation 🏆 pic.twitter.com/kp9G3JF367
In the semi-finals, Fiorentina met Club Brugge in a closely contested battle. A 3-2 home win gave them a narrow advantage, which they managed to maintain with a 1-1 draw in the second leg, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory and their place in the final.
Fiorentina’s journey has been marked by their attacking prowess, netting 25 goals at an average of 2.09 per match. Defensively, they have conceded 13 goals (1.09 per match) and kept four clean sheets. With a possession rate of 59.92% and a passing accuracy of 85.25%, Fiorentina has controlled the tempo of their games effectively. Their defensive efforts are highlighted by 466 balls recovered, averaging 38.84 per match, and their discipline has been maintained with only 26 yellow cards.
Team News:
Olympiakos
Olympiakos, benefiting from over a week of preparation, will have a full squad available for Wednesday’s final. Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar is set to field his strongest lineup, including former Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, who has recovered from a recent injury. This full-strength squad boosts Olympiakos’ chances as they aim for their first European trophy.
Fiorentina
On the other hand, Fiorentina will be missing winger Riccardo Sottil, who fractured his collarbone earlier this month. Despite this setback, the team remains confident, with coach Vincenzo Italiano relying on the depth and versatility of his squad to cover Sottil’s absence. The rest of the Fiorentina squad is fit and ready for the crucial encounter, determined to secure their first European title since the 1960s.
Key Players:
Olympiakos – Stevan Jovetić
Stevan Jovetić has been a crucial player for Olympiakos this season, bringing his vast experience and sharp attacking instincts to the fore. Despite battling injuries, the former Fiorentina forward has contributed significantly whenever he has been on the pitch. Jovetić can be a game-changer in crucial moments. His experience in European competitions and familiarity with Fiorentina’s style of play could provide Olympiakos with a tactical advantage in the final.
Fiorentina – Nicolás González
For Fiorentina, Nicolás González has been the standout performer this season. The Argentine winger has been instrumental in Fiorentina’s journey to the final, with his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. González has netted 15 goals and provided 5 assists in all competitions during the 2023/24 season. His ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities makes him a vital player for Fiorentina as they seek their first European title since the 1960s. His performance will be key in navigating through Olympiakos’ defense and leading his team to victory
Europa Conference League Final – Key Statistics
- Fiorentina are unbeaten in five games heading into this fixture
- Fiorentina are without a clean sheet in eight games
- Two sides have never faced one another before
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
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