West Ham have made it through to the semi-final of the Europa League with a crushing victory over Lyon 0-3 in France.
The Hammers drew the first leg 1-1 but demolished the French side in their own back yard in what turned out to be a night to remember for all involved with the club.
After a first leg of controversy, West Ham made it to a European last four for the first time since 1976, setting up a tie with Eintracht Frankfurt (the team they last played in a European semi).
West Ham won 0-3 (1-4 on aggregate) vs Lyon to reach the Europa League semi-final on what proved to be a famous night for the Hammers.
“It is a strange thing, football. It comes around and you have got to be careful.”
That’s what manager David Moyes said regarding Moussa Dembele’s first leg wink after Aaron Cresswell was sent off. Well he’s not winking anymore with fans quick to poke fun at the French striker with various memes as even West Ham’s official account chipped in.
Lyon’s official Twitter page were next to talk themselves up as they responded to a Europa League tweet asking for fans predictions on who the final four will be. Lyon replied saying “Are you really asking like there’s a chance we don’t go through?” Accompanied with a confused face emoji.
In the words of a Declan Rice tweet after the game he sarcastically brought up the arrogant Lyon statement saying “this aged well”. West Ham supporters had their fun too chainting ‘Au revoir’ at Lyon fans heading for the exits early.
In Rice’s post-match interview he said: “Those things come back to bite you.
“There were a few incentives tonight. Dembele winking at the camera in the first leg and then their Twitter admin saying they can’t see how they wouldn’t get through.
“We stayed quiet, put in a performance and now West Ham are in the semis.”
The West Ham players celebrated with the away fans positioned up in the heavens of the Groupama Stadium away end after the final whistle. There were jubilant scenes
🙌 THE SCENES TO END ALL SCENES 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cUml26cCSZ
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 14, 2022
The likes of Rice, Ben Johnson and David Moyes also came out the tunnel again on later occasions as the Hammers fans were not allowed to leave the ground for a long period of time after the game.
Fans sung Moyes’ name and Rice silenced the crowd before starting the famous “West Ham are massive chant” inside a then Lyon-less stadium.
What a night!!!! @_DeclanRice leading the way on and off the pitch! What a great performance from every player out there!!! Happy days ⚒⚒⚒ pic.twitter.com/0GLlG4MXsB
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) April 14, 2022
Captain Mark Noble was pictured in tears in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, back in the city centre, those who travelled without a ticket celebrate in a bar showing the game and celebrations spilled out onto the street at half and full time.
Plenty of travelling fans then headed to a boat party that was set to last until 3am to continue celebrating what is a remarkable achievement.
Not long ago West Ham were fighting to keep their Premier League status and now look at them. Moyes, the players and everyone associated with the club deserve a ‘massive’ amount of credit for this unbelievable rise.
The next part of our European journey doesn’t take us to Barcelona as many predicted but instead to their conquerors Frankfurt. Expect thousands to swarm the German city with many expected to travel without a ticket for what could be another party – we hope.
The dream is still on!