Benson Chikezie is a Nigerian-based writer with many years of experience in the sports betting industry. He is a digital marketer by profession. Benson has written many sports related contents for various websites.
The legendary Jose Mourinho burst into tears as his AS Roma team found their way past Leicester City to set up the first Europa Conference League final with Feyenoord. Labeling his club an elite team without a trophy room to match, Mourinho will be itching to get his hands on silverware again, with his last success coming in an earlier spell at Manchester United.
Feyenoord booked their place in the final when they got the better of Marseille, and now, they will look to become the first Dutch team to win in Europe since they defeated Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) in 2002. The final will kick off at 00:30 IST, May 26, at the Air Albania Stadium, in Tirana.
Mourinho’s side sealed their place in Europe next season, thanks to a three-nil win over Torino last weekend. They now look forward to this fixture without their place in Europe next season hanging in the balance, effectively taking the pressure off their shoulders. They have enjoyed considerable success in the first edition of the Conference League and are the second-highest goalscorers this season.
With only two losses in the competition, Roma will draw enough inspiration from their form and Tammy Abraham, who has struck nine times in the competition. Their previous two finals in Europe ended in losses, but the men from Rome will hope to banish their bad luck at the Air Albania Stadium, Tirana. For injury news, Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not feature for Roma due to a muscle injury.
The Dutch team’s performance in the Conference League makes them huge favorites in the eyes of many to win this title. They remain unbeaten in the tournament and have scored the most goals (28), with red-hot forward Cyriel Desserts grabbing 10 of those goals. They already have a place in the Europa League qualifiers next season, which winning this trophy will help them avoid.
Although Feyenoord’s last appearance in a European final came in 2002, they have won on four occasions, with only the 2002 appearance ending in a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid. They also boast a great record against Italian opponents, unbeaten in nine out of fourteen meetings with clubs from Italy. Their route to the final was straightforward, but they notably had to come from behind in all three knockout fixtures.
For injury news, Feyenoord will be missing the duo of Tein Troost and Cole Bassett, who will not feature due to the coach’s decision and inactivity.
Perhaps due to Jose Mourinho’s great record in cup finals, AS Roma are the favorites to wear the Europa Conference League crown on the sportsbooks at Parimatch, Paripesa, and Sportsbet.io. The odds for a Roma win are 2.41, 2.48, and 2.36, respectively, while a draw is placed at 3.35, 3.42, and 3.35 odds, respectively. Feyenoord are outsiders, with the odds for their victory placed at 3.10, 3.22, and 3.05, respectively
Roma and Feyenoord have only met twice in their histories, in a two-legged Europa League affair in 2015. AS Roma won 3-2 on aggregate, and both teams found the back of the net on both occasions.
This final is crucial for both sides, holding sentimental meaning as the first-ever Europa Conference League final and a promise of continental silverware. Here are our thoughts on AS Roma vs. Feyenoord:
We expect a highly entertaining game, especially as both teams have the Conference League’s most prolific strikers in Dessers and Abraham. Chances will be plenty for both sides, particularly suspect defensively, and the pressure will be on to deliver goals. Both teams to score is available on the Melbet sportsbook at 1.77 odds.
A two-goal result is not unlikely for these teams, as ten out of their 12 Conference League matches have each ended with a result of at least two goals. We expect a similar outcome in this final, with both teams hungry to win. The outcome (over 1.5 goals) is available on the Paripesa sportsbook at 1.29 odds.
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