Sevilla did not miss their appointment to win a new Europa League and maintain their dynasty on this competition. The hispalenses beat Inter Milan (3-2) in a great final, full of excitement, intensity and goals.
The match did not start the right way for the winners, as central defender Diego Carlos was called a penalty on Lukaku after five minutes of playing time. The Belgian scored the 0-1 and Sevilla once again paid tribute to what their anthem reads: “it is said they never surrender”, and that is how it came Lukk de Jong´s equalizer through a header after a sensational cross by Jesús Navas, who keeps performing at a very high level. Come back was also thanks gto another header by de Jong, this time from a set piece taken by Ever Banega, who played his last game with Sevilla last night. Happiness did not last too much, as Diego Godín tied it up again right away with another header also from a set piece.
Of course there were some controversia plays to point out: The Italians claimed a handball on Diego Carlos in the box that the VAR did not check, incomprehensibly. The game became nasty at some points, as Inter´s strategy was based on stopping the rhythm so Sevilla couldn´t find their speed. Lukaku missed a huge chance to put his team ahead after the break, as he found himself right in front of keeper Boro, but he made an outstanding save. It was in the 75th minute when it came the definitive 3-2 after a bicycle kick by diego Carlos wentin thanks to Lukaku, who deflected it into the net. Koundé also shined on a play in the last minutes where he saved the equalizer from the goal line. Well deserved and fought win by the Champions.
It was a night of recognitions: Lukaku, from hero to villain; Jesús Navas, tireless; Diego Carlos, redeemer… But there is a name above all of them: Julen Lopetegui. His tears after the game show his emotions after everything he has suffered and gone through. This title is thanks to manager Monchi as well, who believed in Julen when his name was stained. It is also a trophy dedicated to those who are not with us anymore: Puerta, Reyes, Biri Biri…
No doubt they deserve to be the winners, as they stood up in the hardest moments as a team and as a big family. Their anthem reads: “The Giralda show his pride off from seeing Sevilla play at the Sánchez Pizjuán”.
