Sevilla lifts the Europa League trophy – Mourinho’s streak

The Portuguese should go on to share the record of five cup victories with veteran Italian champion Giovanni Trapattoni. Argentine Paulo Dybala, world champion (35), shot Roma ahead in the first half, with an own goal by Gianluca Mancini (55) giving the Spaniards an equalizer after the break. After that there were no more strikes. After a grueling 120 minutes including 11 minutes of extra time, the decision was taken on penalties. There Mancini goalkeeper Bono, teammate Roger Ibanez hit the crossbar. Rui Patricio denied Sevilla’s Gonzalo Montiel at first, but the penalty kick was repeated. The Argentine, who was already successful from a point in the World Cup final, shot Sevilla to the title.

Even before kick-off, it was clear that an impressive series would come to an end. Record-winning Sevilla have never lost a final in their six UEFA Cup and Europa League titles (most recently in 2020). This also applies to Mourinho, who was undefeated as a coach in the Finali. There was also a lot at stake financially for both clubs. Sevilla were in danger of missing out on the European Cup, as was Roma, who were winless in Serie A for seven matches. The focus has always been on the Europa League. There, the yellow-red eliminated Red Bull Salzburg in the February play-off (0: 1, 2: 0)

The Roma professionals, who had the Roman emblem “SPQR” on their chests and a lot of support from the ranks, better found their way into the game and also found the first opportunity. Through Dybala, who had regained his fitness after an ankle injury and whose starting line-up had been canceled by Mourinho the day before, and Zaki Celik, the ball reached Leonardo Spinazzola, who, however, shot very centrally at Seville’s Bono (12). The game was then increasingly interrupted by Nicklliches. Both teams gave nothing, and English referee Anthony Taylor had a lot to do. On the sidelines, Mourinho tried to influence the referee.

Negligence in the defense of the Spanish paved the way for the Romans to lead. After Ivan Rakitic lost the ball in the center of the circle, Mancini sent the ball to Dybala, who rushed forward and did not give Bono any chance. Fernando could have equalized for Sevilla after a corner kick (43rd), but he was unable to place a header. A very clear “swallow” by Lorenzo Pellegrini in the Seville penalty area punished Taylor with a yellow card to the captain of Roma. Within seven minutes of extra time in the first half, Rakitic almost righted his mistake. His long-range shot hits the inside crossbar (45′ + 6′).

Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendelibar brought in two players after the break, Suso and Eric Lamela, who made the difference in the semi-final against Juventus. Should work. After less than ten minutes the Andalusians, acting mainly from two sides, were allowed to cheer against the very passive Romans. The 37-year-old captain, Jesus Navas, sent a cross from the right, and Mancini, pressed by one of the opponent’s players, directed a cross into his own net.

For Dybala it ended after 67 minutes, less than a minute before his team came close to scoring the second goal after a free kick with chaotic scenes in the Seville penalty area. With fifteen minutes to go, the Spaniards thought they were on their way to victory when Taylor pointed to the penalty spot after Roger Ibáñez allegedly fouled Lucas Ocampos. After studying the VAR and going to the screen, the Englishman revised his decision. Nor was there a penalty kick at the other end when Fernando hit a cross in his hand (82). Substitute Roman Andrea Belotti hit the ball wide again shortly after with a free kick.

The match went into overtime, as the teams didn’t want to take any chances. Strength diminished, and some players experienced convulsions. Roma’s Chris Smalling topped the crossbar in the 131st minute, before the match ended. Mourinho had to go out on penalties for the first time in a European Cup final – and lost.