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Sevilla beat Roma to win 7th Europa league title

Soccer Football - Europa League - Final - Sevilla v AS Roma - Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary - June 1, 2023 Sevilla celebrates with the trophy after winning the Europa League REUTERS/John Sibley

Sevilla beat Roma to win 7th Europa league title

Sevilla secured a record-extending seventh Europa League title after beating Roma 4-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Gonzalo Montiel, who converted the winning penalty for Argentina in the World Cup final, scored the deciding spot-kick.

The Europa League specialists condemned Roma manager Jose Mourinho to his first European final loss, having triumphed on five such occasions previously.

“I have to fight for these lads and therefore not say objectively that I will remain,” Mourinho told Sky Italy in the aftermath of the defeat. “I lost this one, but I return home prouder than ever this time.”

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A furiously contested encounter, where more yellow cards were issued to coaching and technical staff in respective dugouts than players, went to extra-time after Gianluca Mancini’s own goal cancelled out Paulo Dybala’s well-taken opener, before Sevilla prevailed in the shootout.

Similar to Roma, but to a greater extent, Sevilla have endured an arduous domestic campaign, marred by relegation fears until recently, but continental competition tends to be their mecca.

The Andalucian club’s air of invincibility was under threat after Dybala collected Mancini’s defence-splitting pass, allowing the ball to roll across his body onto his favoured left boot and finding the far corner in one swift motion (35).

But, during a particularly argumentative tussle, Mancini’s own goal 10 minutes into the second half gifted Sevilla parity, and after a lifeless period of extra-time, Montiel settled the tie with the winning penalty – crucially, only after benefiting from a retake when goalkeeper Rui Patricio was adjudged to encroach on his first effort, which was saved.