In a nail-biting showdown, Pablo Fornals emerged as the hero for West Ham United, propelling the team to a thrilling 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League semi-finals. With this triumph, the Hammers ended their agonizing 47-year wait for a major European final appearance.
Entering the second leg with a slim advantage, West Ham showcased defensive resilience in the opening half, frustrating Alkmaar’s attempts to find clear scoring opportunities. Lucas Paqueta came closest for the visitors, striking the woodwork with a powerful shot.
As the pressure mounted in the second half, Alkmaar intensified their assault, forcing Alphonse Areola to make crucial saves against Sven Mijnans and Pantelis Chatzidiakos. Yet, it was West Ham who defied the odds. Seizing an opportunity on the counter-attack, Pablo Fornals broke free and unleashed a decisive strike past Mathew Ryan, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory and securing West Ham’s place in a major European final for the third time in their history.
Having already fought from behind to claim a 2-1 win in the first leg, the Hammers embarked on their visit to the Netherlands with the goal of protecting their slender lead. With a resolute defensive approach, they absorbed Alkmaar’s pressure and exploited counter-attacking opportunities.
Despite Alkmaar’s dominance in possession, it was West Ham who posed a greater threat in the first half. Jarrod Bowen came close to finding the net, but his effort veered wide after the Dutch side failed to clear their lines. The contest reached its midpoint when Paqueta unleashed a fierce shot that agonizingly struck the outside of the post.
The second half witnessed a spirited start from Alkmaar, as a low strike from Mijnans forced Areola into a routine save. Declan Rice attempted to shift the momentum in West Ham’s favor with a long-range effort that tested Ryan’s reflexes.
However, Alkmaar’s control of the ball began to falter as they encountered a resolute West Ham defense. Despite their desperation, time ran out for the hosts, allowing West Ham to launch a devastating counter-attack. In a heart-stopping climax, Fornals seized the moment, delivering a 94th-minute winner that sparked wild scenes of jubilation among the traveling West Ham supporters.
With their historic victory, West Ham United’s devoted fans can now eagerly anticipate a memorable trip to Prague on June 7, where they will face Fiorentina in the highly anticipated Europa Conference League final. The dream of European glory lives on for the Hammers, and the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
