A tense final saw Sevilla win their seventh Europa League title.
Sevilla defeated Roma in the penalty shootouts of the Europa League final. Yassine Bounou’s fantastic penalty saves were enough to secure the Spanish giants’ eighth European title.
Mourinho’s first defeat in a European final!
The two sides, expectedly, started the game with a conservative approach. But Roma managed to slowly establish their dominance by creating a number of serious chances.
Roma’s efforts paid off when Paulo Dybala converted Gianluca Mancini’s perfect through ball into their opening goal. Sevilla barely found an opportunity to come back into the game in the first half.
However, the dynamic of the game changed as soon as the second period began. Sevilla increased the pressure on Roma’s backline and clinched the equalizer only ten minutes after the break.
Mancini’s own goal convinced Sevilla to push for the winner. But Jose Mourinho’s side maintained their defensive integrity. The referee even awarded Roma a penalty in the 76th minute, but a VAR check overturned the decision.
The two sides became even more cautious with their attacks during the extra time. Sevilla found a few chances through Youssef En-Nesyri, but he wasn’t able to convert them into the match-winning goal.
Once again, it all came down to Bounou’s heroics in the penalty shootouts. The Morocco international saved two shots from Mancini and Roger Ibanez to secure his side’s 4-1 victory in the penalties.
The victory marks Sevilla’s seventh Europa League trophy as they continue their impressive run in the competition. It is also the first time Mourinho has lost a European final in his career.
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