It was supposed to be a magical night for the London outfit.
A first European final since 1976 was within touching distance and the Hammers were confident.
Our away end ⚒❤️
C.O.Y.I#UEL | #SGEWHU pic.twitter.com/JPXirZsvPN
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 5, 2022
The task was simple - Overcome a 2-1 first leg deficit against German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
If history was anything to go by, the English side were more than capable - having achieved the very feat 46 years ago.
Frankfurt also holds the third-worst home record in their domestic Bundesliga - adding to the traveling confidence.
Unfortunately, David Moyes's side were unable to emulate Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds by reaching that final.
The game finished 1-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
West Ham's night had started well, controlling the early sequences and growing in confidence with each passing minute.
The tie turned on the 19th minute when defender Aaron Cresswell was shown a straight red card.
Momentum naturally shifted and the game's goal came from Cresswell's flank.
The 10-men fought admirably for the remainder of the half and almost nicked an equalizer at the whistle.
The second half was very much controlled by the home side - using the crowd and extra man to their advantage.
It was a sad end to an uplifting run to the last four of the Europa League for the Hammers.
Our Europa League campaign comes to an end in the semi-finals in Frankfurt. #UEL | #SGEWHU pic.twitter.com/gcPAXQrQSB
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 5, 2022
"I must congratulate Eintracht Frankfurt", David Moyes said afterward.
"We probably lost the game in the first minute at the London Stadium.
"We gave a goal away after 30/40 seconds.
"Ever since that point, we had been chasing the game really."
Build-up to the match had been marred by arrests around the city, and it ended in anarchy with thousands of Eintracht fans streaming onto the pitch at the final whistle.
Moyes had also been shown red during the game.
The Scot allowing his frustration to get the better of him in kicking a football at a ball-boy.
He acknowledged his error afterward and offered public apology, of sorts.
? “It was nicely on the volley for me.”
David Moyes has apologised for kicking the ball at the ball boy during West Ham’s #UEL semi-final defeat. pic.twitter.com/ZrCYxl7WcU
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 5, 2022
Nevertheless, the campaign has provided a memorable European campaign for a side that is more accustomed to potential relegation affairs.
