Sevilla won a record-extending 7th Europa League title as the Spanish side beat Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, at the Puskas Arena in Budpest, Hungary.
Roma featured Tammy Abraham in attack, with Paulo Dybala and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini supporting on the flanks. For Sevilla, Morocco International Youssef En-Nesyri started up-front, while Lucas Ocampus and Bryan Gil were on the wings.
Argentina World Cup winner Dybala opened the scoring in the 35th minute for Roma after Gianluca Mancini’s pass found the striker in space.
Both sides created more chances but the scores remained 1-0 to Roma at halftime.
In the second half, Roma defender Mancini scored an own-goal in the 55th minute after Jesus Navas’ brilliant cross came off his thigh. 1-1!!
The goal seemed to spur Sevilla on as the Spanish side dominated possession from there on as they looked to go ahead. However, Roma defended brilliantly to soak up the pressure.
Without a winner after 90 minutes, the scores remained 1-1 as the match went to extra-time.
Neither side wanted to get exposed in extra-time while trying to get a victory as the match became a defensive showpiece. As both sides could not score, the Europa League final match headed to penalties for the third straight season.
Centre-backs Mancini and Roger Ibanez missed for Roma in the shootout courtesy of Sevilla goalkeeper Bono and the post, respectively. Sevilla’s Gonzalo Montiel then stepped up for the deciding kick.
However, Montiel’s kick was initially saved by Rui Patricio but the goalkeeper was penalised by VAR for encroaching. The spot kick was retaken, with Montiel making no mistake as he fired Sevilla to yet another Europa League title.
The Europa League specialists, Sevilla, condemned Jose Mourinho’s to his first ever defeat in a major European final in his sixth appearance.
The Spanish side have once again shown why they are the specialists in this competition.
⚪🔴 Sevilla clinch seventh title!#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/ZxBJhdDMy5
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 31, 2023
Sevilla have now taken the Europa League trophy back to Spain after the final in Budapest ended 1-1 after extra time, with Gonzalo Montiel and goalkeeper Bono the heroes for Sevilla as their performance ensured a 4-1 victory in the shootout over Roma.
Sevilla will visit Real Sociedad in their final LaLiga game of the season on Sunday, while Roma hosts Spezia on the same day in their final Serie A encounter of the season.
⚪🔴 CAMPEONES! #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/gxMzegqcjE
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 31, 2023
