Pablo Fornals’ stoppage time goal sealed West Ham’s passage into the Europa Conference League final, after they saw off AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
Lucas Paqueta almost extended the West Ham one-goal advantage from the first leg after 25 minutes, but hit the post after Michail Antonio fed it onto the Brazilian’s driving run.
AZ dominated most of the game, but didn’t truly test Alponse Areola until the second half, when the Hammers dug deep to defend – before finally putting away the tie 3-1 on aggregate through Fornals’ composed finish late on.
The game finished amid chaotic and ugly scenes after some fans caused trouble after the final whistle, perturbed by the West Ham celebrations on the pitch.
West Ham centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Aguerd were colossal, although both men survived close VAR checks for possible penalties, as the visitors came under more and more pressure as the game went on.
Zouma has been a rock this season for David Moyes’ side, and so it proved once more.
Sweden international Jesper Karlsson wasted some inviting openings up front for AZ, with the Dutch side ruing some profiligate play in the final third that ultimately cost them a spot in the final.
Fiorentina awaits in the final, with the Viola triumphing in dramatic fashion in their semi-final.
