Sevilla win their third Europa League trophy in a row

Liverpool danger

The first half was an intense affair with little space afforded to either side. David Soria was the busier keeper blocking a long-range shot from Emre Can and denying Daniel Sturridge in a one-on-one at his near post. In between those saves, Carrico had to make an acrobatic clearance off his own line to keep out a Sturridge header.

Sturridge strikes

Liverpool made the breakthrough when Sturridge found himself in space just inside the area, then curled a superb shot wide of Soria with the outside of his foot. Unai Emery’s men were on the back foot from there on into the break.

 | 1-3 | Gameiro has taken his tally in the @EuropaLeague this season to 8 goals!#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/INng9N9eKd

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) May 18, 2016

Halftime talk

The halftime team talk clearly worked as Sevilla struck back a minute after the restart. Fullback Mariano went on a surging run down the right flank, cut  between two defenders and arrowed into the area where he crossed low across the face of goal. Kevin Gameiro was on hand to turn the ball in for his eighth goal of the Europa League campaign.

Coke

Gameiro had two great chances to double the lead soon after, the second being turned over the bar from point-blank range by Simon Mignolet. But Sevilla were a different side. A wonderful flowing move saw Vitolo lay the ball into the path of Coke who blasted a shot into the far corner to give the Andalusians the lead.

Coke, named #UELfinal Man of the Match: "The game was tough but this Sevilla team has heart and soul." pic.twitter.com/yJjCPvnz7c

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) May 18, 2016

 

Third win in a row

The captain then made it 3-1 when his shot proved too powerful for Mignolet and it was Liverpool who were creaking as the half progressed. Sevilla dominated the closing exchanges as their opponents faded and they became the first team to win three Europa League titles in a row, with a record-extending fifth victory in the competition. Spanish clubs have now won 8 of the last 13 editions of the tournament and Sevilla's victory earns them a place in the Champions League group stage for next season. LaLiga could have five in the group stage: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal if they get through the playoff in August.