Sevilla, once again, are champions of Europa League. The Spanish side defeated Roma on penalty kicks on Wednesday, 4-1, after the match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes of action. Gonzalo Montiel, who put away the clinching penalty kick for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, converted the game-winning one in this one, finishing to his left as the Spanish side conquered a tournament that has been synonymous with them for years. It has been seven finals and seven victories for Sevilla as they continue to dominate the tournament.
The defeat marks the first ever defeat in a European final for Roma manager Jose Mourinho, who entered this one 5-0. Even more surprising is that it came at the hands of a Sevilla team that were in danger of relegation before manager Jose Luis Mendilibar took over and led them not only to La Liga safety but a Champions League berth.
Even without Marcos Acuna in the tie, Sevilla were able to withstand Paulo Dybala's opening goal to work back into the match. They came close to leveling things before the half as Ivan Rakitic struck a shot off the post but it wasn't to be.
Roma center back Gianluca Mancini had the biggest roller coaster day that someone can have playing soccer, allowing Sevilla back in it. From a beautifully weighted pass to spring Dybala for Roma's goal to being in the wrong place at the wrong time to push Jesus Navas' cross into the back of his own net, it seemed like at worst, Mancini's day would end by balancing everything out but when the penalty shootout was on the line, he was up yet again, seeing his penalty saved by Yassine Bounou. The Moroccan's heroics in net weren't surprising after he led one of the best defenses during the World Cup but to come up when it mattered again in Europa League is why Sevilla are undefeated in finals.
Being able to turn it on when needed and grind out results when you aren't at your best is what experienced teams can do and Mendilibar's men are always prepared to put everything on the line when needed. It's why they sped away from relegation and it's now why they'll be prepping for Champions League soccer yet again.
After his first effort was saved, Patricio was judged to have encroached and Montiel wouldn't miss twice as Sevilla wins Europa League yet again!
This is an absolute disaster of a shootout.
This time it's Ivan Rakitic, and he doesn't miss.
Mancini has had a day scoring an own goal and now he sees his penalty saved. Still 2-1, Sevilla.
They're dispatching these penalties like clockwork.
More great finishes, this time from Bryan Crisante.
Lucas Ocampos fired his shot home without fail.
This match was destined for penalties from the start between these teams but it's all on the line now.
More of the same as the teams are eking out the last remaining moments of extra time and four minutes remain until penalties.
The sting is now out of attacks, teams have just been looking for free kicks and the conservation act is on to ensure that everyone is ready for the penalty shootout that is now seven minutes away.
At this stage, it feels like both teams are playing for penalties but anything can happen there. 15 more minutes to come.
He was barely fit to make the match but with penalties and a possible winner to go, Sevilla has to throw everything that they can at this match.
We're level after regulation after a tight match.
Roma didn't get what looked like a clear hand ball in the box and then a corner kick also wasn't given after what seemed like a fingertip save. Crucial decisions as the game inches closer to extra time.
It had to go to VAR to ensure that the right decision was made but Roma are off the hook as the penalty isn't given.
It was a great free kick but no one could grab the goal but Roma have added Georginio Wijnaldum to help regain control of the match.
Mancini is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time as he turns Navas' cross into his own net and we've got a game again. Can Roma find an equalizer?
Lamela and Suso have entered for Sevilla as they look to push for a goal but Roma's defense has looked unbeatable in the early going of the match.
What a strike for Rakitic as Roma were saved by the post to enter the half ahead 1-0. It's a promising finish to a period during which Sevilla has struggled mightily to create chances.
But simulation before the half isn't a way to do it as Pellegrini is booked. There will be seven minutes of stoppage time prior to the half ending but Sevilla can't create anything.
Who else but Dybala as a PERFECT ball from Mancini led to the goal being created. Sevilla also picked up a yellow card in the aftermath. .
Matic takes the honors after being locked in a duel with Ocampos. Roma are defending well so they haven't had to be caught into tactical fouls.
Roma are pushing as a great team move got back to Spinazzola but Bounou was able to pull out the big save to keep things level.
A slightly cagy start to things which was expected but the two teams are feeling things out in the early going of the match.
Quite the final is ahead!
Mourinho's side finished second to Real Betis in Group C so had to navigate the knockout round like Sevilla. Red Bull Salzburg were edged out despite defeat in Austria before a strong first leg was enough to see off Real Sociedad in the following round of 16. Extra time was needed to see off Feyenoord in the quarterfinals while one goal was all it took to dispose of Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals to set up this mouthwatering final which pits Mourinho against history.
