Chapter 1: The Essence of Football

Football embodies passion, practice, and a deep understanding of strategy and tactics. However, like many sports, it also involves an element of luck. Many fans and analysts may overlook this facet of the game, yet those who recognize it often grasp that the superior team does not always emerge victorious.

Consider the FIFA World Cup results as a prime example. Numerous teams, initially considered favorites, fell short due to unfavorable circumstances on match day. Hungary's Aranycsapat, known as the Golden Team, was a case in point. Despite their previous victories, including the legendary Match of the Century against England in 1953 and a dramatic quarter-final against Brazil in 1954, they ended up second-best in the 1954 World Cup final, known as The Miracle of Bern.

Similarly, the groundbreaking Totaalvoetbal philosophy introduced by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels could not secure a World Cup win for the Netherlands in 1974. Eight years later, Brazil boasted a stellar lineup with players like Falcão and Sócrates, yet it was Italy that ultimately claimed the trophy. At the club level, luck has significantly influenced tournament outcomes as well.

A recent example is Olympiakos, who triumphed in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, marking the first time a Greek team has won a European trophy. While celebrating their victory, one must also reflect on Fiorentina, who faced defeat in the final for the second consecutive year, each time losing due to a late goal.

Moreover, it was a stroke of luck that contributed to José Luis Mendilibar's remarkable double achievement. Acknowledging fortune does not diminish the hard work and dedication he invested in creating a unified team. As the saying goes, hard work often leads to good fortune, but luck plays a crucial role too.

Chapter 2: Mendilibar's Managerial Evolution

After a career as a midfielder that did not see him play in La Liga, Mendilibar began his management journey. He made his mark in the lower divisions before taking the reins at Athletic Bilbao. Despite navigating the ups and downs of top-flight football and managing teams facing relegation, his influence was undeniable.

In March of the previous year, Mendilibar took over from Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla FC. While the team managed to avoid relegation, they finished the 2022–23 season in a modest 12th place. However, in the UEFA Europa League, the club's storied reputation as the competition's most successful team shone through. That said, their victory in Budapest was aided by an English referee's questionable decisions.

The AS Roma manager, Jose Mourinho, faced scrutiny as many believed his team deserved to win the final, yet Sevilla's seventh Europa League title marked a significant milestone for Mendilibar, being his first major trophy in nearly thirty years of management.

In September 2023, following a 2–2 draw with Rayo Vallecano, Mendilibar was dismissed as Sevilla's manager, having been the third manager let go in just a year.

Chapter 3: A New Chapter at Olympiacos

By February 2024, Mendilibar found himself as the third manager for Olympiacos Piraeus. A highlight of his brief tenure was a 4–1 victory against rivals PAOK, yet the club ultimately finished third in the league. However, his performance in European competitions was noteworthy.

Initially starting in the UEFA Europa League group stage, Mendilibar's squad made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 4–1 deficit against Maccabi Tel Aviv to reach the Round of 16. They faced Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals, with the match going to penalties.

Guiding Olympiacos to their inaugural UEFA competition final, Mendilibar's team defeated Aston Villa with an impressive aggregate score of 6-2. This marked the first appearance of a Greek club in a continental final since 1971, when Panathinaikos faced Ajax Amsterdam.

Mendilibar joined an elite group of managers to have reached consecutive European finals with different clubs, alongside legends like Sven-Göran Eriksson and Rafael Benitez.

Chapter 4: Historic Victory and Future Prospects

Olympiacos secured their historic win against Fiorentina with a goal scored just minutes before the end of extra time, making them the first Greek club to win a European trophy. This feat is monumental for Greek football, echoing the national team's unexpected victory in the UEFA Euro 2004 final against Portugal.

Mendilibar now stands alongside Benitez as one of the few managers to win back-to-back European finals with different teams. His ability to achieve remarkable success late in the season raises questions about the potential for larger clubs to pursue him, especially considering many prominent managers are currently underperforming.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if Mendilibar can sustain this level of achievement over an entire season and whether his recent streak of good fortune will continue in the long run.