Roma Triumphs in the Inaugural Conference League Final Against Feyenoord in Tirana
The Rome side wrote history by defeating Feyenoord 1-0 to become the first champions of the UEFA Conference League. Nicolò Zaniolo supplied the decisive goal, giving the Italian club a historic European title on a night in Tirana that will be remembered for its emotional significance.
ALL THE DETAILS OF THE 2022 LEAGUE CONFERENCE FINAL ROMA VS. FEYENOORD
In both the European Cup and the UEFA Cup, the glory has slipped away in years past for the club from Rome. This time, the Conference League provided a chance for triumph, and José Mourinho seized the moment, delivering the first major European trophy for Roma in 14 years and cementing a remarkable feat in Italian football history.
Roma exploited a quiet first half to seize the lead and then defended resolutely, stifling the Dutch side after the break. Feyenoord surged in the second period, but Rui Patricio stood tall, recording several key saves to maintain the Italian advantage.
Some highlights and reactions floated across social media, capturing the atmosphere of a final that lived up to its promise as the first edition of a new competition.
Champions LeagueEuropa LeagueConference League
Mourinho completes a European treble, becoming the first coach to achieve such a feat in contemporary European competition history.
#UECL #RomaFeyenoord
– GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) May 25, 2022
Feyenoord went into the match seeking a first European final win after lifting the European Cup in 1970 and the UEFA Cup in 1974 and 2002; they had also claimed the European Super Cup in 2002 against Real Madrid, but the final ended in disappointment this time around.
Reactions
All the comments from fans and pundits poured in after the final whistle, reflecting on Roma’s controlled performance and Mourinho’s memorable influence in pivotal moments.
Minute by Minute
Kick-off greeted the Italian and Dutch representatives as they prepared to decide a new European champion. The Italians took the lead through a well-timed run and precise finish, while Feyenoord pushed to equalize but were thwarted by solid Roma defending and a inspired display from Rui Patricio.
Nicolò Zaniolo’s breakthrough strike came in the 33rd minute, his clever movement finding space in the box before slotting the ball beyond the keeper. The goal gave Roma control of the tempo for the remainder of the match as they managed to protect the lead late into the second half.
Minute 25 saw Roma asserting themselves with a growing sense of confidence, even as Feyenoord threatened on several occasions. A key moment arrived early in the second half when Feyenoord created an opportunity that required Patricio to make a sharp save. The Spanish media highlighted the goalkeeper’s performances as critical to Roma’s victory.
As the clock ticked down, Roma’s discipline in keeping the scoreline intact was evident. The final whistle confirmed Roma as the first winners of the Conference League, and Mourinho’s tactical masterclass earned wide acclaim across the football world.
20:58 | The Conference League anthem signaled the start of proceedings, as fans from both sides filled the arena with anticipation.
20:50 | Mourinho’s influence loomed large as the match approached kickoff, and his presence was a talking point among supporters and critics alike.
20:40 | Banners honoring referees and the spectacle of the final adorned the stands, underscoring the celebratory mood around the tournament’s inaugural decider.
19:45 | The teams named their starting lineups, with Roma presenting a familiar XI and Feyenoord hoping to translate their pedigree into silverware on this occasion.
19:30 | Tirana hummed with pre-match energy as fans gathered, the city setting the stage for a memorable European night.
18:40 | The air in the Arena Albania was charged with anticipation as football fans in attendance and those watching around the world prepared for a historic moment in Albanian football history.
19:35 | The supporters from both clubs filled the venue, providing a vibrant backdrop to a game that promised drama until the final whistle.
In the end, a solitary goal by Zaniolo proved decisive. The final margin stood at 1-0, a result that crowned Roma as the first-ever champions of the Conference League and added a bright chapter to Mourinho’s storied managerial career. The match served as a landmark for Italian football on the international stage, and it provided a blueprint for how a team can navigate a unique competition to claim glory on the continent.
Minute 33. Roma goal! Brand Zaniolo — a composed finish in the midst of the box sealed the lead for the Italian side. The reaction from Goal Spain captured the moment and the significance of the strike for Roma.
Minute 95. Final! Roma are champions of the Conference League, a moment celebrated by players and supporters alike as the new European title was etched into history.
The match was followed by a wave of social media commentary, with outlets like Goal Spain providing play-by-play and analysis of the game’s defining moments. Their coverage highlighted the level of focus and execution that led Roma to victory.
Additional context from the match and surrounding coverage illustrated the changing landscape of European competition and the potential for new clubs to forge enduring legacies in a tournament designed to broaden the competitive sphere of UEFA.
Source: Goal