Sevilla won their sixth Europa League title, as they beat Serie A giant Inter Milan 3-2 in an exciting Europa League final, which could go anyway.
Romelu Lukaku and Diego Carlos
It had been the battle between Romelu Lukaku and Diego Carlos, and Diego Carlos did not have a clue in the first half
He conceded first penalty as he lost to Lukaku, and then he fouled the Belgian striker on the corner of the box. It was just five minutes into the match, and Lukaku put Inter 1-0 ahead from the spot.
For Diego Carlos, this was the third consecutive Europa League match that he conceded a spot-kick, as Sevilla overcome resistance from Premier League giants Wolves and Manchester United in knock-out stages.
It could then turn into an utter nightmare for Carlos, if VAR had given another penalty for handing the ball in the first half. But VAR ruled in favour of Sevilla.
But it was the Brazilian defender who had the last laugh, as his bicycle kick was deflected to goal by Romelu Lukaku at 78th minute of the match.
Luuk de Jong
Luuk de Jong scored two back to back goals, to bring the level and then put Sevilla 2-1 ahead. His first header was a diving one from a Navas cross and his second was another wonderful header which looped into the top corner from Banega’s free-kick. The unlikely hero of the final scored only eight goals for Sevilla since joining last summer.
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez looked lost apart from few occasions during the match. He was replaced with Alexis Sanchez at 78th minute of thematch.
Inter Milan and Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte had a great season as he rebuilt Inter Milan team after taking over. Inter started as favourite, but he had been graceful to accept defeat during post-match interview, and thanked his boys for a fabulous season. He was non-committal about next season.
I don’t have many regrets now: my players gave really everything they had against a team used to playing these kinds of games. I think their experience in this sense made the difference in the end tonight.
Antonio Conte, Inter Milan Manager
Sevilla and Julen Lopetegui,
Lopetegui took over last summer and built a new-look team. Nine of the starting XI in Cologne were in their first season at the club.
This squad are great. They believe in it, what they work on and what they transmit. Even if we hadn’t won I’d still love these guys, but today we take home the prize. We always believed. This team never gives up.
Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla Manager
