
Sevilla clinch UEFA Europa League for sixth time; Defeating Inter Milan in finals
It was a joyful end of the season for their coach Julen Lopetegui, who won his first trophy as coach at senior level after a torrid period which saw him sacked by Spain and Real Madrid.
Sevilla won UEFA Europa League title with a 3-2 win in a final match over Inter Milan after an overhead kick by defender Diego Carlos deflected by the Italian side’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku on Friday.
Sevilla has previously won the title in 2006,2007,2014, 2015,2016 and now 2020
It was an astonishing anti-climax to Lukaku’s first season at Inter after he had set the longest scoring run by a player in UEFA Cup/Europa League history when he netted in the 11th successive game to give Inter an early lead.
Lukaku also equaled former Brazil striker Ronaldo’s club record of 34 goals for Inter in a season in all competitions, but it was scant consolation as gritty Sevilla claimed a record-extending sixth title in Europe’s second-tier competition.
Lukaku fired Inter ahead with a fifth-minute penalty after he raced away from Diego Carlos when the Italian side broke away from inside their own area.
De Jong, who came off the bench to score Sevilla’s winner in a 2-1 semi-final win over Manchester United, showed his predatory instinct again with a pair of headers that turned the tide.
The Dutchman leveled in the 12th minute after a delightful cross from the right by Jesus Navas and then beat Inter keeper Samir Handanovic in the 33rd with a looping header after Ever Banega floated in a free kick.
However, Sevilla’s joy was short-lived as they were also undone by a fine set-piece three minutes later, with Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic swinging in a free kick for Diego Godin to head home from close range.
It was a joyful end of the season for their coach Julen Lopetegui, who won his first trophy as coach at senior level after a torrid period which saw him sacked by Spain and Real Madrid.