AS Roma pipped Feyenoord 1-0 in the final of the Europa Conference to win the competition’s inaugural tournament, at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, Albania on Wednesday, May 26.
It was Mourinho’s fifth European title, one that made him the first manager to win all three European club titles; The Champions League, Europa League, and now the Europa Conference League with Roma.
The final sees them take home KSh 620,000,000 (€5m) and automatic qualification to Europa League after finishing 6th in Serie A.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s first-half strike (32’) from a Gianluca Mancini assist, was enough to ensure the Giallorossi won their first-ever Europa Conference League campaign.
The solitary goal of the game came when Zaniolo instinctively pounced on Mancini’s pinpoint lob that caught Feyenoord’s defense flat-footed, with the Italian quick to the task of scoring.
The 22-year-old calmly controlled the ball with his chest and side-footed the ball into the back of the net to put Mourinho’s side ahead and bring the Europa Conference to Serie A.
Rui Patricio, the man between the posts for the Giallorossi, proved pivotal in the game after making multiple saves with Feyenoord hitting the woodwork twice with close attempts.
The former Wolves keeper was put to the test throughout the second half as Mourinho resorted to his most menacing tactic of parking the bus only using counterattacks to ease the pressure.
Mourinho, tearful and overcome by immense joy, celebrated alongside his team knowing he had earned back respect in his football career.
He can now put aside his troublesome spells in Manchester United and Tottenham that had temporarily dented his impressive record as one of the game’s most successful managers.
Roma, a club known for its loyal fanbase both on the ground and on social media, has re-established itself as a dominant force in European football.
The Portuguese manager now has an even more loyal fanbase going into the next season.
With the Europa Conference now done, all eyes head to the Stade de France for the mouthwatering UEFA Champions League final pitting Liverpool against Real Madrid.
The two giants are arguably the best sides in the continent this season despite Jurgen Klopp falling short of besting Manchester City in the dramatic final matchday of the English Premier League.
