Sevilla made history by capturing their record-extending seventh Europa League title in a thrilling penalty shootout against Roma at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Gonzalo Montiel, known for his winning penalty in the World Cup final for Argentina, converted the decisive spot-kick to secure the victory for Sevilla. This defeat marked the first time Roma manager Jose Mourinho suffered a loss in a European final after previously triumphing on five occasions.
Reflecting on the outcome, Mourinho spoke with Sky Italy, stating, “I have to fight for these lads and therefore not say objectively that I will remain. I lost this one, but I return home prouder than ever this time.”
The match was fiercely contested, with more yellow cards issued to coaching and technical staff in the dugouts than to the players. After Gianluca Mancini’s own goal canceled out Paulo Dybala’s well-taken opener, the game went into extra time before Sevilla prevailed in the shootout.
While both Sevilla and Roma endured challenging domestic campaigns, Sevilla has shown remarkable prowess in continental competitions.
The Andalusian club faced a moment of vulnerability when Dybala skillfully received Mancini’s defense-splitting pass, controlled the ball, and swiftly found the far corner with his left foot (35th minute).
However, 10 minutes into the second half, Mancini inadvertently scored an own goal, leveling the score for Sevilla. After a lackluster period of extra time, Montiel sealed the victory with the winning penalty, benefiting from a retake due to goalkeeper Rui Patricio’s encroachment on his initial attempt, which had been saved.
Montiel, the hero of the penalty shootout once again, replicated his World Cup success by converting the decisive spot-kick in a European final, crowning Sevilla as champions at the expense of Mourinho’s Roma.
This fiercely contested match was narrowly won by the masters of Europe’s second-tier competition, who will return to Spain with an unprecedented seventh title.
Mourinho’s future at Roma now hangs in the balance, as he was on course to become the most decorated European manager in history with six trophies before this defeat. Dybala’s ability to overcome an ankle injury in time to score had given Roma the lead.
However, Mancini, who had provided the assist for Dybala’s goal, inadvertently scored an own goal, resulting in a tempestuous 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.
“I don’t want silver medals. I don’t keep silver medals, so I gave it away,” an irritated Mourinho later expressed to Movistar.
Tensions ran high on both benches throughout the match, with referee Anthony Taylor presiding over proceedings. The magnitude of the occasion, coupled with the pursuit of European glory and the opportunity to secure a spot in the next season’s Champions League, contributed to the visible edginess.
Tempers flared, particularly when Lucas Ocampos appeared to be fouled by Roger Ibanez, leading Taylor to initially award a penalty. However, after VAR intervention revealed minimal contact, the decision was swiftly reversed.
While the names accumulated in Taylor’s notebook, Roma came close to stealing the victory when substitute Andrea Belotti miscued a volley following a cleverly executed free-kick routine.
The penalty shootout began with Ocampos and Erik Lamela scoring for their respective teams, while Bryan Cristante also found the back of the net for Roma. Sevilla gained an advantage when Mancini’s tame effort was saved by Bono’s outstretched leg.
Ibanez was then unfortunate to see his strike ricochet off the post. Although Patricio seemed to have given Roma a lifeline by tipping Montiel’s penalty onto the upright, the goalkeeper’s encroachment allowed the full-back another opportunity that he gladly accepted.
