Europa League – Final – Sevilla, king of the Europa League, wins his sixth trophy by beating Inter Milan

As a symbol, all Andalusians flocked to Ever Banega. With the title barely acquired – the sixth out of six finals contested – the entire Sevilla FC gathered around a man. A man whose last game was before joining Saudi Arabia. A man who is not necessarily the most bankable, the most blingbling. But the one to whom Julen Lopetegui owes, in part, this title. In this match alone, Banega is 18 assists in the last third, 7 recoveries, 7 duels won, 5 chances created and 2 successful dribbles. Not to mention his unquantifiable exquisite ball-free game, and his other matches, where he was just as decisive. Of his 5 created chances, only one hit the mark: a free kick for Luuk de Jong at the third post, whose head surprised a Samir Handanovic not well enough placed to capture it (2-1, 33rd). The goal of the break for Andalusians who had started badly after a goal from Lukaku from the penalty spot, and who could even have ended up at ten. Diego Carlos took advantage of the rule avoiding the double penalty on the first penalty (6th), then of an arbitration generosity on a hand in the area, which should probably have cost him a second yellow card (17th).

From there, this final, started at a crazy pace, seemed to tend more and more towards a Spanish victory. With a helmet blow three minutes after the second Sevillian goal, Diego Godin kept the suspense. But Inter, not as sharp, serene and murderous as usual, could not fully exploit the generosity of the opponent. It remained for Lopetegui players to exploit the phases in transition and set pieces, their favorite weapon. At the start of the last quarter of an hour, Jesus Navas and Diego Carlos, well helped by Romelu Lukaku (see below) tied the deal (3-2). Finally, and history of confirming the interiorist hopes once and for all, Jules Koundé diverted on his line a deviation from Alexis Sanchez, entered just before (82nd). “You will not pass,” said a famous white mage. “You won’t win,” said another mage, Argentinian this time, speaking with his feet. The opportunity to leave with the feeling of duty accomplished, offering a sixth Europa League to Seville in six finals. Just unbeatable.

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