Sevilla secured a record-extending seventh Europa League title after beating Roma 4-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Gonzalo Montiel, who converted the winning penalty for Argentina in the World Cup final, scored the deciding spot-kick.
Europa League specialists condemned Roma manager Jose Mourinho for his first European final defeat, having won five times before.
“I have to fight for these young people and therefore it is not to say that there is no intention for me to stay,” said Mourinho Heaven Italy after the defeat. “I lost it, but I came home prouder than ever.”
Sevilla players celebrate after winning the Europa League final on penalties
A fiercely contested encounter, in which more yellow cards were handed out to the coaching and technical staff in the respective dugouts than to the players, went into extra-time after Gianluca Mancini’s own goal canceled out a well-taken opener by Paulo Dybala, before Sevilla won the shootout.
Referee Anthony Taylor has been kept busy by a busy event in Budapest
Like Roma, but to a greater extent, Sevilla have endured a difficult domestic campaign, marred by relegation fears so far, but the continental competition is likely to be their mecca.
The Andalucian club’s air of invincibility was under threat after Dybala collected a pass to split Mancini’s defence, allowing the ball to roll off his body to his favored left boot and find the far corner. in a swift motion (35).
However, during a particularly controversial dispute, Mancini’s own goal 10 minutes into the second half gave Sevilla parity, and after a lifeless period of extra-time, Montiel settled the tie with win penalty – significant, only after benefiting from a retake when the goalkeeper. Rui Patricio was judged to go beyond his first effort, which was saved.
Roma head coach Jose Mourinho shouted during the Europa League final against Sevilla
How Montiel became a punishment hero – again
Five months after scoring the winning penalty on the biggest stage of all, Montiel converted the clinching spot-kick, this time in the European final, to crown Sevilla champions at the expense of Mourinho’s Rome.
A passionate partnership was almost beaten by the masters of Europe’s second-tier competition, who will travel home to Spain with an incredible seventh scalp.
Sevilla players celebrate their team’s first goal against Roma in the Europa League final
Mourinho, whose future at Roma is now in question, was on course to become the most decorated European manager in history with six trophies when Dybala overcame an ankle problem in time to give the Serie A side the lead .
But Mancini, who provided an assist for Dybala, then awkwardly turned into his own net as a fierce tie finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.
“I don’t want silver medals. I don’t keep silver medals, so I gave them away,” the angry Roma boss later said Movistar.
The two banks were clear from the off, with the English referee Anthony Taylor tasked with overseeing the proceedings, helping in no small part to the magnitude of what was at stake – the glory of Europe, but also the chance to earn a spot on the billing next season. Champions League.
Roma’s Gianluca Mancini scored an own goal to level the tie
Tempers erupted, especially when Lucas Ocampos went over the leg of Roger Ibanez and Taylor pointed to the spot late in the second period, only for VAR to intervene, highlighting the slight contact as the award was quick. which was withdrawn.
As the names piled up in Taylor’s black book, Roma almost had the last laugh but Andrea Belotti, for Tammy Abraham, miscued a volley after a clever free-kick routine.
The shootout began with Ocampos and Erik Lamela scoring either side of Bryan Cristante doing it for Roma, but Sevilla took the advantage when Mancini’s tame effort rebounded off a diving Bono.
Ibanez then saw his attacking cannon hurtle against the post and while Patricio appeared to give Roma hope when he tipped Montiel’s spot-kick onto the upright, his encroachment gave the full- back another time he reluctantly refused.
Daring no-look penalty by Ocampos
Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos scores a no-look penalty to put his side 1-0 ahead in the shootout
Sevilla midfielder Lucas Ocampos spoke to Spanish TV channel Movistar:
“It’s a Sevilla-style game. We have to suffer to win. It’s not easy. What we have in this competition is something that cannot be explained.”
Mourinho is uncertain about the future at Roma
Jose Mourinho hands his silver medal to a fan in the crowd
“I have to fight for these young people and therefore I will not say that I will stay,” said the 60-year-old. Heaven Italy. “I spoke to the club in December when I got this approach from the Portuguese national team.
“I haven’t had any contact with anyone since then, I still have one year left on my contract and this is the situation.
“We are dead tired, but proud. I always say you lose a football game, but not your dignity or professionalism.
“I lost it, but I went home prouder than before. Young people give everything this time.”
What’s next?
Seville visit Real Sociedad in their final LaLiga game of the season on Sunday; kick-off 5:30pm. Meanwhile, Rome host Spezia on the same day in their last Serie A encounter of the campaign at 8pm.
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