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.