It was a cathartic evening in Seville as the Europa League kings once again worked their magic at their favourite festival after a tricky season.
Europa League thoroughbreds bounced back to triumph in the final as a replacement Erik Lamela’s fabulous header after five minutes of extra time secured a 2-1 win in a thrilling match against Juventus on Thursday, securing a 3-2 overall victory.
The Spaniards will be looking for a record-breaking seventh name in the Europa League when they face AS Roma in the final in Budapest on May 31, after Jose Mourinho’s side drew 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen to secure a 1-0 aggregate win in the match. semi-ultimates. ultimate.
Juventus, who were in 1-1 trouble against Sevilla in the first leg in Turin, were on course to triumph in the final when replacement Dusan Vlahovic scored with a flawless finish in the 65th minute at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán.
But midfielder Suso equalized six minutes later with a very good far shot to add to the game.
Argentina’s Lamela then sealed out the victory when he jumped into a crowded domain and sent a forced header to delight the fans who refused to leave the stadium for centuries after the match ended, celebrating with their jubilant players.
It was a cathartic evening in Seville as the Europa League kings once again worked their magic at their favourite festival after a tricky season.
Languishing at the back of La Liga for much of a season in which two coaches were sacked, Sevilla regained their mojo after exiting the Champions League and beating PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce and Manchester United before defeating Juve.
“It’s crazy, incredible, it’s time to enjoy this moment,” Sevilla captain Jesus Navas told Movistar Plus.
“The enthusiasts have been amazing and they deserve it all. We showed the courage we have inside us after going through difficult months. “
“The courage of the fans took us and we are back in the odd European final. It’s been my team since I was a kid, living every game with so much passion. It’s up to us to deserve it. “
SEVILLE DOMINANT
As in the first leg in Turin, when Sevilla controlled but allowed their rivals to equalise in extra time, on Thursday they again dominated the property and roared in a noisy atmosphere at a sold-out Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.
Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, arguably the most productive player on the pitch in the first half, made several critical saves, and added a one-handed save to save Navas’ header from a point.
But just when the hosts were complete and squandered chances, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic scored the opening goal 3 minutes after coming off the bench.
He ran in front of defenders Nemanja Gudelj and Loic Bade, who hesitated for a moment and allowed Serbia to win the challenge and beat restless goalkeeper Bono with a brilliant shot.
But Sevilla responded soon after with a goal from Suso that blew their whistle in the most sensitive corner to appease the fans, who roared at their team as they relentlessly pressured Juve until Lamela scored the winning goal in extra time.
The only problem for Sevilla is that left-back Marcos Acuna was sent off for lack of time after a momentary yellow card and will miss the Budapest final. (Report through Fernando Kallas in Madrid; Editing via Ken Ferris)
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