AS Roma became the first ever winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League as they beat Feyenoord 1-0 in Tirana, Albania thanks to a solitary first half goal from Nicolo Zaniolo.
Congratulations Roma, 2021/22 Europa Conference League champions! 👏🏆#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/LECvXSr31e
— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) May 25, 2022
Both sides came out of the blocks with intent and the intensity in the opening exchanges was quite high. It was often cagey as the midfield got crowded with both sides playing three in the centre of the park.
Feyenoord enjoyed more of the ball for the opening twenty minutes but were unable to create any chance of note. The three Roma centre-backs – Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smiling and Roger Ibanez – looked up to the task of keeping this attacking Feyenoord side at bay.
The Italians were happy to sit back and attempt to catch their opponents out and that is exactly what they did. Mourinho’s side had only 38% possession by the 25th minute but they took the lead nonetheless a few minutes later. A late run from Nicolo Zaniolo caught the Feyenoord defence out through a simple ball over the top from Mancini. The 22-year old brought it down expertly before poking a finish past Justin Bijlow in the Feyenoord goal.
🐺 Nicolò Zaniolo = 8 goal involvements (5 goals, 3 assists) in 10 UECL games 👊#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/VICoUybwOk
— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) May 25, 2022
The goal opened the game a bit as the Dutchmen were forced to chase the equaliser. Tammy Abraham, quiet so far, found space to run into down the right channel but was unable to play the telling pass. Orkun Kokcu hit a swerving shot straight at Rui Patricio after a scuffle between Smalling and Cyriel Dessers.
Roma saw out the half without conceding a big chance and Mourinho would have been very happy with his team’s performance. However, Feyenoord came back out with renewed energy and earned a corner…
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