Roma vs Feyenoord LIVE: Europa Conference League final result, final score and reaction tonight
Latest updates from Tirana as the Dutch and Italian giants battle for the inaugral Conference League trophy
Jose Mourinho has guided AS Roma to their first-ever Uefa competition triumph, with the Italian side beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final of the Europa Conference League in Tirana.
Nicolo Zaniolo scored the only goal of the game, with the Dutch side twice seeing efforts rebound off the woodwork in the second half. The Italian attacking midfielder fired home from his side’s first chance in the 32nd minute as Jose Mourinho’s men sealed their first silverware since the 2008 Coppa Italia.
It proved a typical Mourinho-style triumph as Roma sat deep and soaked up plenty of pressure before cruising through the second half with the minimum of fuss. The Dutch side, who last won the Uefa Cup in 2002, dominated the early possession but failed to create any meaningful chances and were punished when Zaniolo chested down a cross from Roger Ibanez and put his side in front. Follow the Europa Conference League final match reaction below:
Roma 0-0 Feyenoord
3 mins: Trauner shows some early pace down the right-hand side and feeds it into Nelson. He turns it onto Kokcu but Roma manage to rather scrappily clear it on the edge of their own box.
Kokcu then fouls Karsdorp and Roma get themselves a free-kick.
Feyenoord have enjoyed all of the ball in the opening minutes of this final. Smalling gives it straight back to them as he thumps a clearance straight out of play.
Roma 0-0 Feyenoord
1 min: HERE WE GO!
Feyenoord get this first ever Europa Conference League final underway in Albania, kicking from left to right.
Roma vs Feyenoord
Ok then! Roma vs Feyenoord is here. The players are out on the pitch and the stadium is filled with Italian and Dutch fans.
Kick-off is next!
Roma vs Feyenoord
Jose Mourinho was asked about the importance of the final for himself during his pre-match press conference earlier this week.
To which he responded: “If I win I will become the first one to win all European trophies, but that’s only if I win.
“The ‘Special One’ story is an old story. It was when I was at the beginning (of my career). When you have more maturity and stability, you think more about the people and less about yourself.
“It’s an old story. I don’t believe in magic. When you arrive at a final after a season of work, the work is done. It’s the team’s moment, not the moment of an individual.”
Of course, we all know it really is about him...
Roma vs Feyenoord
Roma’s season does hinge on this Europa Conference League final.
It’s true, Jose Mourinho has done a sensational job to get the Roma faithful on side despite some indifferent results.
But a sixth place finish and no silverware would not be deemed a success by anybody at the club. That’s why tonight is so important.
Feyenoord’s run to the final
I know what you’re thinking - well how did Feyenoord reach the final? Fear not, here that is too.
- Second qualifying round: Drita (3-2 on aggregate)
- Third qualifying round: Luzern (6-0)
- Play-offs: Elfsborg (6-3 agg)
- Group E: Maccabi Haifa (Drew 0-0 & won 2-1), Union Berlin (Won3-1 & Won 1-2), Slavia Prague (Won 2-1 & drew 2-2
- Round of 16: Partizan Belgrade (8-3 on agg)
- Quarter-finals: Slavia Prague(6-4 on agg)
- Semi-finals: Marseille (3-2 on agg)
Roma’s run to the final
How did Roma reach the Europa Conference League final? Well, here is their route to Albania.
- Play-off: Trabzonspor (5-1 on agg)
- Group C: CSKA Sofia (Won 5-1 & won 2-3), Zorya Luhansk (Won 0-3 & Won 4-0), Bodo/Glimt (Lost 6-1 & drew 2-2)
- Round of 16: Vitesse (1-0 on agg)
- Quarter-finals: Bodo/Glimt (5-2 on agg)
- Semi-finals: Leicester City (2-1 on agg)
Roma vs Feyenoord
Another man we are yet to mention is former Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling.
The former England international has been sensational since going on loan to Roma at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
Mourinho has put his trust in him this season and he has featured in 27 of their 38 Serie A matches.
If Roma do win tonight, this would be Smalling’s first trophy since he won the Europa League with Man Utd in 2017.
Roma vs Feyenoord
The Feyenoord players have emerged and are checking out the surroundings ahead of tonight’s colossal final.
This stadium may be on the small side for a European occasion such as this, but it promises to be incredibly loud once the fans fill it up.
Uefa will be very pleased with how this competition has gone down in its first year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments