For an incredible seventh time, Sevilla defeated Roma on penalties to win the Europa League.
The Spanish team overcame a 1-0 deficit to force penalties, where they successfully converted to win the match and the competition.
The final kick was made by Gonzalo Montiel, who also helped Argentina win the World Cup with a penalty kick.
Drama ensued though, as he missed his first penalty kick and it had to be retaken after Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio was discovered to have encroached.
Montiel converted on his second penalty attempt to break Jose Mourinho’s perfect record in UEFA competition finals.
Sevilla not only won the match, but they also qualified for the Champions League for the following season.
They eventually won the trophy each time they advanced to the quarterfinals. They have more motivation and faith in this competition than any other club, to the point where it has taken on a life of its own.
This match was conducted entirely according to Jose Mourinho’s rules. It was determined by his strategy and story.
The game involved brutal pragmatism, hostility, and caution. A final that prioritized pain over emotion lasted a torturous 147 minutes, injury time included—but the winners don’t seem to mind.
