Conference League: West Ham take first-leg lead
UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-final first leg: West Ham United 2 - 1 AZ Alkmaar
West Ham's dreams of a first major trophy since 1980 are still alive. They came from behind to secure a Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg win over AZ Alkmaar at their London Stadium.
The Hammers' hopes of reaching the final in Prague on 7 June were hanging by a thread when Alphonse Areola made a mess of saving Tijjani Reijnders' low shot four minutes before the break.
However, David Moyes' side turned the tie on its head after half-time.
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The Hammers had former Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan to thank for offering them a way back into the contest when he recklessly punched Jarrod Bowen in the face as he arrived late to challenge for a high ball the England man actually headed over.
After Ryan took an age to take his position for the penalty, Said Benrahma beat him with a powerful shot into the corner. This gave fans and players a huge boost as they chased a first-leg lead.
And 15 minutes from time Michail Antonio hit the winner from close range, stabbing home the loose ball after Nayef Aguerd's initial header had been blocked by Yukinari Sugawara on the line.
West Ham saw the first leg out and will travel to the Netherlands with confidence that they can reach a European final
We caught up with some West Ham fans after the match.
John Paul, a West Ham Season Ticket holder, told us: The team going into the away leg with an advantage is a huge positive. Alkmaar are no mugs by any means, and it will still be a tough match."
Ryan was less confident after the first-leg performance: "I just thought we looked so laboured at times. We had no urgency or desire, and for a semi-final, this is not acceptable. We seem to have lost the ability to pass the ball. Not confident about the return leg."
The Hammers Chat West Ham Forum YouTube account analysed the match on their channel.
Can the competition create a storybook ending for Declan Rice?
Of course, the UEFA Europa Conference League represents a chance for Declan Rice to lead his boyhood club to a trophy in what many believe is his last season with the club. We reported that the Hammers board will demand around £100 million for Rice this summer. It has been rum
Transfer Rumours: Declan Rice on the move? (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)oured that Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in the England midfielder.
