The UEFA Europa Conference League may be the lesser of the continental riches on offer, but the winners of Wednesday’s clash between Olympiacos and Fiorentina in Athens can be expected to celebrate like they have won the World Cup.
Reopening a third continental competition has proven a rare win for UEFA in recent years. It has brought the possibility of winning a European trophy to a far wider group of clubs. This is the third edition of the competition, with Roma and West Ham United the previous winners. Don’t try telling them that this is a tournament that doesn’t matter.
Away from the corporate glare of the Champions League, in which only a handful of clubs can realistically triumph, this is a competition that can be won by a myriad of teams from across the continent. And the fans love it!
Fiorentina, of course, come into this match as the bookmaker’s favourites yet face the prospect of their opponents having a virtual home advantage by playing at the home of rivals AEK Athens. As such, the Greek side will have strong backing from the crowd.
All this should make for the type of colourful affair that a European final should be, great entertainment for those betting with live streaming.
| Year | Winners | Runners-up | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2021/22 |
Roma |
Feyenoord |
1-0 |
Tirana, Albania |
|
2022/23 |
West Ham United |
Fiorentina |
2-1 |
Prague, Czechia |
Olympiacos have already shown throughout the tournament the type of vibrancy they will bring to proceedings since exiting the Europa League, fittingly in part due to the exploits of West Ham.
They have flirted with disaster on several occasions since dispatching Ferencvaros 2-0 over two legs in the play-off round.
Indeed, they staged the most remarkable recovery in European football this season by coming back from a 4-1 first-leg loss at home against Maccabi Tel Aviv to dump the Israeli side out of the last 16.
They then withstood a favoured Istanbul atmosphere to overcome Fenerbahce on penalties having been pegged back to 3-3 over two legs having once led 3-0.
It was their success in the semi-finals that was truly eye-catching, though. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side were expected to be easy fodder for Aston Villa but ended up cruising through 6-2.
OLYMPIACOS celebrating with fans after reaching their first major European competition in their 99-year history following win over Aston Villa yesterday.
They would become the first Greek side ever to win a major European trophy if they win UECL final. 🇬🇷pic.twitter.com/dO2VsrviAK
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 10, 2024
There was little doubt who the star was: Ayoub El Kaabi. The Morocco striker scored five of the six goals against Villa in what is proving a most memorable season for a player who was previously best described as a journeyman. Indeed, he is the competition’s top scorer on 10 goals, despite only entering in the knockout phase.
El Kaabi is 7.5 to score first or 3.6 to net at any time – both excellent value for a player who has made this competition his own. This price is subject to change, so keep track of the latest football betting offers with BetZillion.
While Olympiacos’ fairy tale run is the most attractive narrative, though, Fiorentina’s quality should not be overlooked. The Viola have enjoyed a quietly solid run to the final. The biggest drama they experienced was extra-time against Viktoria Plzen. Otherwise, it has been plain sailing.
⚜️ Fiorentina unbeaten in the competition this season ✅
Will they lift the trophy in Athens? 🏆#UECL || @acffiorentina pic.twitter.com/vUncg5te6r
— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) May 10, 2024
Vincenzo Italiano’s side have been efficient and methodical, balancing their European run against their league performance, which will see them finish eighth.
They do not possess the one-man threat that Olympiacos offer. Although they have been in the competition since qualifying in August, no individual has struck even half the goals of El Kaabi. Lucas Beltran sits on four, with a trio having struck three.
This does not diminish their threat. If anything, it makes it greater.
So who will come out on top: the mercurial Greeks or the methodical Italians? Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be a close and enthralling match the offers the type of fan-crazed spectacle the Champions League can only dream of.
Despite playing this as an ‘away’ fixture, Fiorentina look good value to lift the trophy at 1.75 having come so close last season. Backing them on a draw-no-bet basis over the course of 90 minutes is worth consideration at 1.67.
El-Kaabi to score anytime at 3.6 looks a smart move given his record in this tournament, though.
