Manchester United have missed the Europa League final. Coach Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s team lost 1: 2 (1: 1) to FC Sevilla in the final tournament in Cologne. The team from the Primera División won thanks to a goal from substitute Luuk de Jong (78th minute). United took the lead in the first half thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ penalty (9th), while Suso equalized (26th). In the final, Seville will face the winner of the second semi-final between Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk.
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In the duel between the two Europa League winners from 2014 to 2016 (Sevilla) and 2017 (Man United), the Spaniards only got into the game slowly. That was due to the early opening goal from Manchester, as a result of which the depth was initially lacking in the offensive game. Diego Carlos was late for a finish from Marcus Rashford, referee Felix Brych ruled correctly on penalty despite the completion of Rashford.
Winter access Fernandes is considered a very safe penalty taker. The Portuguese confirmed this reputation when he built in a hop in his approach and then aimed with force under the crossbar on the left. Fred (14th), Anthony Martial (33rd) and two Rashford (39th / 45th + 1) had other good chances for United. Sevilla had already fought their way back into the game, but there was nothing more than Suso’s successful counterattack in terms of scoring chances.
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Why United would like to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer became clear at the beginning of the second half. Martial and Rashford are tricky, agile strikers. However, the duo often lacks the necessary overview in shooting situations. Manchester stormed the opposing goal in the first minutes after the restart – and missed a total of six good opportunities. Martial alone failed three times (50th / 53rd / 53rd).
Seville survived this phase with luck – and fought their way back. Coach Julen Lopetegui changed in the 56th minute with de Jong the decisive man. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker was not a factor at all until his goal – he only played five passes in total. But when Jesús Navas was able to prevail on the right side and cross without being pushed, the Dutchman was right and pushed in from close range. Sevilla also survived United’s urgent phase in the final phase and are once again in the final of their favorite competition.
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