The top English club West Ham United with national player Thilo Kehrer has taken a big step towards the final of the Conference League. In the first leg of the semifinals, the Hammers won 2-1 (0-1) against Dutch representatives AZ Alkmaar despite being behind at the break.
Tijjani Reijnders (41st) gave the visitors the lead, who are dreaming of the first international final since 1981 (then the UEFA Cup). Said Benrahma with a penalty kick (67th) and Michail Antonio (76th) turned the game in favor of the Londoners, who failed last year in the semi-finals of the Europa League at eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt. As at the weekend, Kehrer was allowed to play from the start in the 1-0 win in the Premier League against Manchester United.
In the other semi-final, FC Basel, led by German coach Heiko Vogel, also won 2-1 (1-0) at traditional Italian club Fiorentina.
Arthur Cabral (25th) gave Fiorentina the lead against his former club – long-time Bundesliga keeper Marvin Hitz in the goal of the Swiss vice-champion had no chance when he placed a header. Andy Diouf (71st) and Andi Zeqiri (90th + 3) made the late turn.
The second leg will take place next Thursday, the final will take place on June 7th in Prague, Czech Republic.
