By Victor Kanayo
Spanish La Liga giants, Sevilla on Wednesday night beat Roma 4-1 on penalties to clinch their seventh Europa League trophy.
The nervy final was decided in Budapest, Hungary after regulation and extra time play ended 1-1.
Roma’s Missed Opportunity
Montiel’s international teammate Paulo Dybala had deservedly put Roma in front during the first period, racing onto Italy defender Mancini’s incisive pass to expertly steer a low effort past Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the bottom right corner, as reported by BBC.
However, the Serie A side, who also saw Leonardo Spinazzola test Bounou before the break, relinquished their control of a testy encounter which saw 14 players and coaches, including Mourinho booked.
And Sevilla drew level 10 minutes after the break with Navas’ cross from the right, deflecting off the unfortunate Mancini into his own net, as they repeatedly pressed forward for an equaliser.
Roma arguably had the better opportunities to win the contest in normal time with Tammy Abraham and Ibanez unable to convert from close range and Andrea Belotti slicing wide from Lorenzo Pellegrini’s clever free-kick.
Sevila Sailing Success
The Spanish side, have now won all seven of the finals they have played in the competition with captain Jesus Navas involved in their first triumph against Middlesbrough in 2006.
Their most recent sees them qualify for next season’s Champions League despite finishing outside the top four in the La Liga.