Sevilla proved once again why they are the Europa League kings upon overseeing a 3-2 victory over Inter Milan for a record sixth title, and fourth one in just seven years.
It was a brilliant and action-packed final in Cologne, one that football fans around the world have been craving for since the coronavirus pandemic came upon us earlier this year.
The drama began in only the fifth minute of the match when Diego Carlos fouled Romelu Lukaku in the box. The Belgian then fired home a penalty to equal Ronaldo Nazario’s record as the highest-scoring debutant for Inter on 34 goals.
The penalty also extended his scoring run in the Europa League/UEFA Cup to 11 successive matches, including seven for Inter.
Moreover, Lukaku also equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s European record for scoring in six successive knockout matches as noted by OptaJoe.
But Luuk de Jong responded just seven minutes later by heading in Jesus Navas’ cross. The Dutch striker, who scored the winner against Manchester United in the semi-finals, then put Sevilla in front by heading in a Ever Banega cross in the 33rd-minute.
Although Inter responded almost instantly as Marcelo Brozovic found Diego Godin, who hit a powerful header past Sevilla keeper Bono to level the scoreline.
But Carlos, who was the villain of the first half, got his redemption in style by springing into the air and firing the ball into the goal through a bicycle kick, which ironically took a deflection off Lukaku.
So Sevilla’s love story with the Europa League continues after beating Inter 3-2, with the club having never lost a final in the competition in six outings.
Speaking after the game, Sevilla captain Jesus Navas said his side fully deserved the win.
“This squad deserves it,” Navas told Sky Sport Italia.
“We fought all year, experienced the difficult situation, like everyone, tried to get through day by day. The fans deserve it, those who love football like we do and we have to enjoy it.
“Being able to lift the trophy as captain of my Sevilla means so much to me, for friends who are no longer here, like Jose Antonio Reyes.”
