© AFP
Sevilla footballers became European League champions for the seventh time.
In the final in Budapest, at the Puskas Arena, after an 11-meter penalty shootout, Jose Luis Mendilibar's team defeated the AS Roma team coached by Jose Mourinho.
Portugal experienced their first defeat in 6 European finals. The regular time and extra time ended with a 1:1 result, and Sevilla's team won 4:1 in the penalty shootout.
The match started with a dangerous opportunity for Leonardo Spinazzola. The Italian received a pass from the side and struck the ball, but the shot was saved by Youssouf Bounou.
In the 35th minute, the Roma team took advantage of a Sevilla mistake in the midfield. Paulo Dybala, who received a precise pass, scored to put Roma ahead.
There were many fouls in the first half, which led to 7 minutes of added time. During the added time, Ivan Rakitic took a dangerous shot, which hit the crossbar.
Sevilla equalized at the beginning of the second half when Gianluca Mancini scored an own goal.
After equalizing, Jose Luis Mendilibar's team gave the initiative to the Roma team. However, both teams did not create clear chances, and the match went into extra time.
There was more drama off the field during extra time. Jose Mourinho received a yellow card, and both teams' substitutes clashed multiple times. At the end of extra time, Chris Smalling hit the crossbar, but no goal was scored - leading to a penalty shootout.
The decisive penalty in the shootout was taken by Gonzalo Montiel, whose penalty secured Argentina's victory in the World Cup back in December. Initially, the defender was inaccurate, but after a VAR review, the penalty was retaken due to Rui Patricio's foul play.
In the Roma team, Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez were also inaccurate with their penalties.
Sevilla secured their spot in the Champions League.
⚪🔴 Sevilla clinch seventh title!#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/ZxBJhdDMy5
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 31, 2023
