Ice-cold record winners FC Sevilla prevented the coronation of José Mourinho as Emperor of Rome after a drama from the point.
The Spaniards defeated AS Roma 4-1 on penalties in the Europa League final in Budapest and gave the star coach 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 UEFA Cup competition in 2006 and 2007, equalized with an own goal by Gianluca Mancini (55th). Argentinian world champion Paulo Dybala put Bayer Leverkusen, who had conquered the semi-finals, in the lead (35′).
A win would have made Mourinho the sole record holder ahead of the legendary 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.
Dybala exploited Traumpass ice cold
In front of 61,476 spectators in the Puskas Arena, an intense encounter with many duels developed right from the start. Both teams initially shied away from the risk and narrowed the spaces. Many fouls and game interruptions inhibited the flow of the game.
The Romans, who were tactically well adjusted by “The Special One” 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 captured the ball in midfield against ex-Schalke player Ivan Rakitic, then Mancini served Dybala like a dream, who gave Moroccan goalkeeper Bono no chance. The fans in the packed home Olympic Stadium in the capital freaked out.
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′).
Seville rewarded after the break
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 . Alex Telles shot too imprecisely (52nd). Then the Spaniards received support, Mancini deflecting a sharp cross from Jesus Navas into his own goal.
Rome then became more offensive again. Tammy Abraham failed from close range to Bono (67th). 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.