Europa League: Heartbreak for Mourinho as Sevilla win record seventh title

Despite the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Sevilla triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.

Sevilla

Sevilla has shattered Jose Mourinho's remarkable record of winning all his European club finals as they emerged victorious in the 2022/23 Europa League.

The Spanish side clinched the title after defeating Roma in a tense final that went to penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Despite the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Sevilla triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.

The first half of the game lacked much excitement, with both teams neutralizing each other's attacks. Sevilla enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to truly test Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

It was Roma who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, thanks to a superb through ball from Gianluca Mancini that found Paulo Dybala.

The Argentine striker calmly finished past Bono, giving Roma the lead heading into halftime.

However, Sevilla came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and found their equalizer just ten minutes in. Unfortunately for Mancini, who had been the provider for Roma's goal, he inadvertently turned Jesus Navas' excellent cross into his own net.

Sevilla then dominated the majority of the second half, but Roma had two golden opportunities to reclaim the lead. Roger Ibanez and Andrea Belotti both had clear chances but failed to convert, allowing Sevilla to stay level.

With neither team able to find a winner after 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time. However, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce much action, leaving the outcome to be decided by a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, both teams successfully converted their first penalties. However, Bono, the Sevilla goalkeeper, came up with crucial saves to deny Roma on their second and third attempts. This allowed Gonzalo Montiel to step up and score the winning penalty, mirroring his World Cup final heroics.

Sevilla's victory in the Europa League final further solidifies their status as the most successful team in the competition's history. The triumph also marks a fairytale ending for manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who secured his first major trophy just over two months after taking charge from Jorge Sampaoli.

The defeat for Jose Mourinho and Roma ends his impeccable record of winning all his European club finals. It will undoubtedly be a bitter pill to swallow for the Portuguese manager, but Sevilla's triumph shines a spotlight on their resilience and ability to deliver on the big stage.