May 25, (THEWILL) – Roma has lifted the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League title after beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final in Tirana.
Jose Mourinho arrived at the Arena Kombetare in search of a fifth European title, having previously won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, the UEFA Cup with Porto, and the Europa League with Manchester United.
Under his direction, the Giallorossi won their first European trophy since the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1972, thanks to a team effort that held on to a slim lead till the final whistle.
Feyenoord got off to a quick start, winning the ball high up the ground, playing on the front foot, and pushing forward through Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson. But, Roma began to find their feet, with Lorenzo Pellegrini pushing and probing as Tammy Abraham looking for chances to exploit.
Mourinho’s charges got the upper hand with the first real shot on target in the 32nd minute when Nicolo Zaniolo chested the ball down and flick it over an onrushing Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Despite opportunities for both teams, such as when Chris Smalling’s slip almost allowed Cyriel Dessers to go one-on-one with the keeper, but Roger Ibanez snuffed out the opportunity, Roma won the Cup.
It will be remembered as a Mourinho masterclass, as he becomes the first coach to win the UEFA treble of trophies: Champions League, Europa League, and Conference Leagues, despite a tumultuous debut season with the Giallorossi.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
