Sevilla FC continues its endless love story in the Europa League.
In the sixth final, the Andalusians won the title for the sixth time – and in a spectacular way. In a furious and heated final in Cologne, coach Julen Lopetegui’s team defeated Inter Milan 3-2 (2-2). (LIVETICKER to read)
“I cannot put into words how proud I am,” said Sevilla captain Jesús Navas, who was already there in the first Europa League triumph, after the final whistle RTL: “We’re a big family and the support from the fans has given us so much.”
Lopetegui didn’t forget the opponent in the collective frenzy: “My emotions are very strong because we have worked very hard and deserve to win against a fantastic team like Inter.”
While the Europa League remains a paradise for Seville, Inter’s lean period continues.
Lukaku becomes a tragic figure
Romelu Lukaku had put Inter in the lead with a penalty kick (5th). The star striker scored in six consecutive games in the Europa League. So far, only Cristiano Ronaldo had succeeded in a major European competition, who had accomplished this feat between 2012 and 2013 in the Champions League.
However, the former Gladbacher Luuk de Jong (12th, 33rd) turned the game around early and tied a brace for Sevilla. The Dutchman, who was often only a reservist during the season, was named the best player of the game.
“It’s unbelievable. We had such tough matches throughout the tournament, but we played well as a team,” enthused de Jong: “We were like family, no matter who came in, we worked for each other. Two headed goals are great for me. “
Even before the break, Diego Godin equalized for the Milanese (36th), Diego Carlos ended with an overhead kick (74th) but Inter’s dream of the first international triumph since the Champions League win against Bayern Munich in the year 2010.
UEFA rated the goal for the Brazilian in the service of Seville, but Lukaku became a tragic figure. In the 65th minute of the game, the Belgian failed single to Seville goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
As in the semi-final against Manchester United (2: 1), the team spirit and morale of the Spaniards prevailed against the higher individual quality of the opponent – Seville also saved the European Cup season of the Spanish teams. (Service: SCHEDULE of the Europa League)
Milan, on the other hand, landed hard on the ground after impressive performances at the final tournament in North Rhine-Westphalia – a bitter disappointment in view of the high demands of the former European heavyweight. After only Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz was able to score in the last seven competitive games against the Lombards, this time the defensive bulwark revealed unusual gaps.
De Jong hits twice with his head
Before the game, Inter coach Antonio Conte had asked his team “passion, courage and enthusiasm” in order to “finally bring the pot back to Italy and make history”. Since Seville also displayed these virtues, a fast-paced, highly intense encounter with numerous goal area scenes developed from the first second.
After a mistake by keeper Samir Handanovic, Sevilla had the first good opportunity, but Fernando’s attempt (3rd) was blocked on the line. In direct return Lukaku could only be stopped by a foul after a solo from Diego Carlos’ own half. With his goal from the point, the Belgian extended his record to eleven consecutive Europa League games with at least one goal.
Test DAZN for free and experience the Champions League and the Europa League live & on demand | DISPLAY
But Sevilla was only shocked for a short time, de Jong turned the balanced game with a remarkable double header in favor of coach Julen Lopetegui’s team. The match was getting worse and worse, referee Danny Makkelie kept coming into focus. Godin converted one of the numerous free kicks with a head to break.
After the change, Sevilla initially gained slight field advantages, but the opponent from Italy was more offensive. After Lukakus had missed a big chance, Diego Carlos’ overhead kick decided the final.
——
with sports information service (SID)
–
