Record winners FC Sevilla have prevented Jose Mourinho’s triumph after a drama from the penalty spot. The Spaniards defeated AS Roma 4-1 on penalties in the Europa League final in Budapest and handed Mourinho his first defeat in the sixth European Cup final. After regular time and extra time, the score was 1-1 (1-1, 0-1).
The Andalusians, who had already won the Europa League in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020 and were successful in the previous competition Uefa Cup in 2006 and 2007, equalized with an own goal by Gianluca Mancini (55th). Argentinian football world champion Paulo Dybala put Bayer Leverkusen, who had conquered the semi-finals, in the lead (35′).
A win would have made coach Mourinho the sole record holder ahead of Giovanni Trapattoni. Last year he led Rome to victory in the Conference League. Meanwhile, Sevilla also qualified for the Champions League as the successor to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rome provide support: Mancini deflected a sharp cross into his own goal
In front of 61,476 spectators in the Puskas Arena, an intense encounter with many duels developed right from the start. The Romans, who were tactically well adjusted by Mourinho, were a little more creative offensively and got their first chance through Leonardo Spinazzola. The Italian international failed but free-standing goalkeeper Bono (12th). Sevilla initially remained harmless in the game going forward, the AS defense had no problems with the numerous crosses from the Andalusians in the first half.
The leadership of the three-time Italian champion was therefore not undeserved. Bryan Cristante conquered the ball in midfield against former Schalke player Ivan Rakitic, then Mancini dreamily served Dybala, who gave the Moroccan international goalkeeper Bono no chance.
Sevilla only increased their offensive efforts after falling behind and almost got their reward before the break. Fernando (43′) headed over the goal, Rakitic was unlucky with a long-range shot at the post (45’+6′). With the lead behind them, Rome were deep as in the semi-final against Leverkusen (1-0, 0-0) and let Sevilla have the ball. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s team, who has only been in charge since March, looked for a gap in the Roman bulwark . Then the Spaniards received support, Mancini deflecting a sharp cross from Jesus Navas into his own goal.
As a result, both teams had the chance to win in regular time. After an uneventful extra time, Sevilla came out on top on penalties.