Massive Security Operation Planned for Conference League Final in Athens as Olympiakos Competes for Title

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — With Greek club Olympiakos aiming for its first European trophy, a massive security operation is set to take place in Athens for Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

More than 3,000 police officers will be on duty for the game, with the AEK Arena surrounded by security measures that will halt traffic, close local schools, and even ban food deliveries north of the Greek capital.

If Olympiakos secures the trophy, there may be celebrations in the streets.

Olympiakos, despite a disappointing domestic season, has the momentum in the third-tier European competition after eliminating Fenerbahce and Aston Villa in the previous rounds.

Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi is the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals, while coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has brought stability to the team after becoming its third manager of the season.

The 63-year-old Mendilibar led Sevilla to the Europa League trophy last season, and the Spanish coach stated that he will maintain the team’s aggressive playing style in the final.

“I cannot transform things with a magic wand,” Mendilibar said. “I am not a guru, I’m a coach. I aim to present my team as best as I can and expect the best result.”

Fiorentina is back in the final after losing last year’s title match to West Ham, having dominated most of their knockout games and scored a competition-high 25 goals.

Coach Vincenzo Italiano mentioned that his team will apply the lessons learned from last year’s final to the upcoming match in Athens.

“We never give up on games,” said Italiano, who rested key players in the team’s last league game ahead of the European final. “The difference (from last year) is that we know the path we’re on, we know what we’re up against, what we’re playing, the importance of the game, how to prepare for it emotionally, mentally, physically. We come to the match with a little more experience.”

Greece’s government decided on the heavy policing measures for the final following a domestic upheaval in soccer. Top-flight venues in Greece were closed for two months earlier this season to implement electronic ticketing and other security measures.

The Greek Cup Final took place without spectators this past weekend due to concerns regarding potential violence. The match ended in chaos after Panathinaikos defeated Aris 1-0 with an injury time goal, as police had to intervene to protect French referee Stephanie Frappart as she left the field amidst confrontation from Aris players and club officials.

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