Sevilla defeat Roma on penalties to win seventh Europa League title | OneFootball

Sevilla have won their seventh Europa League title after defeating Roma 4-1 on penalties after it ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Here’s what happened.

Scorers: Mancini (OG) 55′; Dybala 35′

After an unsurprisingly cagey opening 10 minutes, Roma fashioned the first chance in the 12th minute when left wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola fired straight at Bono following great work down the other side from Zeki Celic. Either side of the keeper and that was 1-0.

Roma were the better team in the opening 20 minutes despite Sevilla having the lion’s share of possession. A classic Jose Mourinho final showing.

Paulo Dybala gave Roma the lead in the 35th minute with a delightful left-footed finish after he was picked out with a lovely through ball from Gianluca Mancini.

Sevilla responded, finally getting at the Roma defence, and Fernando probably should have done better with a free header from a corner.

An equaliser almost came in added time courtesy of Ivan Rakitic, who rocketed a left-footed drive against the post from just outside the box. Rui Patricio was beaten all ends up and was fortunate the ball didn’t rebound off him and into the net.

The second half began as expected with Roma remaining resolute in defence, with most of their players behind the ball. It was up to Sevilla to break that down.

And break it down they did, Jesus Navas’ dangerous cross ricocheting off Mancini and into the net for an own goal.

This turned the game on its head with Roma’s previous coolness being replaced by some nervy defending as Sevilla seized the initiative.

The 75th minute brought a major moment in the game when Roger Ibanez was judged to have fouled Lucas Ocampos inside the box. Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty but upon second viewing via VAR, it was overruled due to the slightest of ball touches from the Roma defender.

Roma had their own penalty appeal turned down minutes later, and soon after Andrea Belotti almost put them back in the lead. Bono came to the rescue with a stunning, if not fortunate, save with his pinky.

Six minutes of added time came and went with Sevilla perhaps the more threatening. Another 30 minutes would be required to separate the two sides and if not, penalties.

There was little in the way of chances in the opening half of extra-time, with Roma in particular sitting deep.

Chris Smalling’s header hit the post in the last play but finally after over 11 minutes of added time due to injury, time-wasting and so on, it was penalties.

Sevilla emerged victorious, like they always seem to do in this tournament, scoring all four of their penalties. Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez were the fall guys for Roma as Mourinho suffered his first-ever European final defeat.