Pablo Fornals, a replacement, won it in stoppage time.
West Ham defeated AZ Alkmaar 1-0 while maintaining composure to advance to the Europa Conference League final and end their 43-year trophy drought.
Pablo Fornals, a substitute, scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time, setting off nasty scenes as West Ham players and the coaching staff attempted to dissuade AZ fans from hitting visiting fans behind the dugout.
The Hammers put forth a valiant display, winning 3-1 overall despite the disappointing conclusion.
At the same stage of the Europa League a year prior, West Ham had lost their way and crashed out at Eintracht Frankfurt when Aaron Cresswell was dismissed and David Moyes kicked a ball at a ball boy.
However, this time, West Ham maintained their calm, and no ball kids were injured, as they secured a spot in the first European final in 47 years and the opportunity to win their first trophy since the 1980 FA Cup on June 7 in Prague.
Despite the less than impressive opposition, it was no small accomplishment. AZ had a remarkable home record in Europe, going 25 games without a loss, and had only ever lost here against an English team once, to Moyes' Everton in 2007, snapping a 32-game winning streak.
Since then, attempts to win at the AFAS stadium, a venue so fortified that it even has a moat surrounding it, have been made by Manchester United, Arsenal, Valencia, and Lazio, all of which have failed.
Therefore, West Ham's 2-1 lead from the first leg always appeared precarious, and never more so than when AZ threat Jesper Karlsson had a shot deflected over with only a minute remaining.
However, West Ham, encouraged by former striker Andy Carroll in the opposing end, maintained their composure and let AZ maintain possession and play in front of them while preparing to seize an opportunity to score on the break.
When Michail Antonio misjudged Thilo Kehrer's cross and it dropped to Jarrod Bowen, who blazed his shot wide, it indicated that Kehrer was starting to enjoy some success down the right.
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