Rafael Leao and Vinicius Jr hailed Lucas Paqueta after he helped David Moyes’ West Ham United secure Europa Conference League glory by beating Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night.
In a dramatic evening, Jarrod Bowen, in the 90th minute, scored the winning goal, after being fed through on goal by Lucas Paqueta, to help West Ham United win their first major trophy in 43 years.
After the game, there were jubilant scenes from those in Claret and Blue colours, with Lucas Paqueta expressing his delight on Instagram and AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao telling him in the comments that it’s ‘worthy’, whilst Real Madrid’s Vincius Jr reacted with eyes heart emojis.
It was a game of frustration for the Hammers because they just couldn’t get going or seem to stamp their authority on the game as Fiorentina dominated possession.
But the East London club opened the scoring via the penalty spot in the second half, before their opponent’s pretty much equalised straight after.
Moyes’ side kept their cool, continued to defend well and ensured Fiorentina weren’t creating any clear-cut chances before Paqueta’s well-timed through ball saw Bowen run through on goal to create history.
Paqueta stands tall when it matters
The Brazil international moved to the London Stadium in the summer with a large price tag on his head, but he just couldn’t get going.
Along with West Ham, he struggled for form and consistency before that continued even after his return from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
But, during these last few months, Paqueta has played his best football and grown into his playmaking midfield role, as he produced the killer pass that will now be remembered in years and years to come.
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