March 14, (THEWILL)- West Ham United booked their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals for a third consecutive season with a dominant 5-0 victory over SC Freiburg at London Stadium.
David Moyes’ side overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit in emphatic fashion, with goals from Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Cresswell, and a Mohammed Kudus brace securing a 5-1 aggregate win.
The Hammers boss deployed an attacking line-up to chase the tie, and his gamble paid off handsomely. Paqueta, Bowen, and Kudus all found the net, while Cresswell chipped in with a stunning long-range strike. Kudus’ second goal, a weaving solo run from deep inside his own half, was the undoubted highlight of the evening.
The win not only propels West Ham into the last eight but also potentially benefits their English Premier League rivals. The result strengthens England’s position in UEFA’s coefficient rankings, which could mean an extra spot in European competition next season.
This victory echoes West Ham’s European pedigree. Two years ago, they overcame a similar first-leg deficit against Sevilla in the same competition. Despite inconsistent domestic form, the Hammers seem to thrive on the continental stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
