Sevilla hit again in the Europa League: the record holders also won their seventh final in the tournament in Budapest against Roma after a shootout and a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Seventh victory in the Europa League

Gonzalo Montiel ruled in favor of Sevilla on the last attempt in the penalty shootout. The same Montiel, who led Argentina to the title with the last shot in December, decided the next important final in a short decision. Gianluca Mancini, among others, missed on penalties for the Italians and scored an own goal to make Sevilla 1-1.

As in the last three finals, Sevilla won the title with a 1-0 deficit. Roma deservedly took the lead thanks to Paulo Dybala in the 35th minute. The Italians, under José Mourinho, were more nimble and quick-witted right up to the break, which was especially evident in the goal, when Gianluca Mancini quickly and accurately brought the Argentine Dybala out of the center of the field.

But Sevilla, with a strong Ivan Rakitic, reacted impressively. Jesús Navas set off Mancini’s own goal with his cross in the 55th minute and then made good moves from time to time. In the 75th minute there was only one penalty and VAR between Sevilla and the score 2:1. Referee Anthony Taylor converted the penalty but called back; Lucas Ocampos allowed himself to fall too easily. Later, Sevilla were lucky: seconds before the end of extra time, Roman Chris Smalling’s head hit the crossbar.

Sevilla saves the season

Sevilla and the Europa League, which is suitable – also in the penalty shootout. As in 2007 and 2014, the Spaniards emerged victorious from this decision in the final. They have dominated the Europa League since 2006. This is surprising, because there are few Andalusians at home. In particular, this season on a national scale for a long time, almost everything went wrong. They changed coaches twice and fought to stay up until April.

It was only with the signing of Jose Luis Mendilibar at the end of March that things got better – in the league up to 11th place. With one round left to go, one more point is missing to a place in the European Cup. But this last matchday cannot matter for Sevilla because with a seventh Europa League title, they have secured their place in the next Champions League group stage. The season is more than saved.

On the other hand, only 5.6-7th place remains for Roma in the championship and, at best, in the Europa League. This should increase the chances that manager José Mourinho will leave the club. Because even if he missed his sixth European title in the sixth final, he was able to restore his somewhat battered reputation in the Italian capital and is again interesting for the top 10 European clubs.

Here is the ticker to read:

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