Sevilla’s outstanding record in the Europa League continued on Friday as they picked up a 3-2 win over Inter to lift their sixth title, ensuring Inter’s nine-year wait for a trophy will continue.
Inter had a penalty after just two minutes as Diego Carlos tripped Romelu Lukaku, who stepped up to fire his side ahead. The sides were level after just 11 minutes as Luuk de Jong dove to head Jesús Navas’ cross into the back of the net. De Jong headed Sevilla ahead 20 minutes later, only for Diego Godín to respond with a header of his own almost immediately.
After a slow start to the second half, Carlos brought the game to life with an impressive overhead kick which found its way into the back of the net courtesy of a deflection from Lukaku, and that was enough to guide Sevilla to yet another Europa League title.
Let’s check out some player ratings.
Bono (GK) – 6/10 – Made an outstanding save to deny Lukaku midway through the second half. Probably could have done better for Inter’s second goal.
Jesús Navas (RB) – 9/10 – Put in some outstanding crosses from the right side and could have easily had five or six assists. Was a real force at the back too. Best player on the pitch.
Jules Koundé (CB) – 8/10 – Outshone his partner yet again by keeping Martínez quiet. Looked comfortable in possession and was a dominant force in the air. Made an outstanding clearance off the line.
Diego Carlos (CB) – 5/10 – That’s now three consecutive games in which Carlos has given away a penalty, and he could have easily been sent off. An impressive overhead kick contributed to Sevilla’s winner.
Sergio Reguilón (LB) – 7/10 – Looked dangerous in attack and was constantly flying forward. Showed exactly why so many top sides are keen.
Fernando (DM) – 6/10 – Struggled to contain the threat of Barella and Brozović, but helped keep Sevilla ticking forward with some reliable passing.
Joan Jordán (CM) – 7/10 – Regularly moved out right to combine with Navas, offering constant passing lanes to help torment Young.
Éver Banega (CM) – 8/10 – A typically brilliant showing in his final game for the club. Was at the heart of everything for Sevilla and was even impressive at the back.
Suso (RW) – 5/10 – Struggled to get involved in the game and had to allow Navas to take over the creative role out wide.
Luuk de Jong (ST) – 8/10 – Showcased elite movement for both his headers. Was too powerful for Inter’s centre-backs to handle.
Lucas Ocampos (LW) – 7/10 – Spent a little too much time on the floor, but when he was on his feet, he looked dangerous. Tormented D’Ambrosio with his movement.
Munir – 6/10
Franco Vázquez – 6/10
Nemanja Gudelj – N/A
Youssef En-Nesyri – N/A
Samir Handanović (GK) – 5/10 – Looked uneasy as he struggled to deal with plenty of crosses. Pulled off some great saves but will be disappointed with his performance.
Diego Godín (CB) – 6/10 – Was slow to track De Jong for the first goal but responded with a big header to drag his side level.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) – 6/10 – A real mixed bag. Looked composed on the ball but made a few unforced errors, notably for Sevilla’s second goal.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) – 5/10 – Struggled to cope with Sevilla’s regular crosses. Looked uncomfortable under pressure.
Danilo D’Ambrosio (RM) – 4/10 Had a really rough time against Ocampos. Probably made more cynical fouls than successful passes.
Nicolò Barella (CM) – 7/10 – A real driving force in midfield. Carried the ball forward and looked dangerous throughout, but will probably be remembered more for a few overreactions to tackles.
Marcelo Brozović (CM) – 7/10 – A great free-kick for Godín’s header. Spent the game finding clever pockets of space and orchestrating things from deep.
Roberto Gagliardini (CM) – 4/10 – Again failed to justify why Antonio Conte chooses him over Christian Eriksen. Did very little in attack and was woeful in defence.
Ashley Young (LM) – 6/10 – Looked dangerous on the counter but lacked the required end product.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) – 8/10 – Showed real speed to win the early penalty and typical composure to covert. Was a proper target man with nice flicks and passing. Unlucky with the own goal.
Lautaro Martínez (ST) – 4/10 – In what could be his final game for the club, he ended up getting marked out of the match by Koundé. You’d be forgiven for forgetting he was even on the pitch before he was hauled off in search of an equaliser.
Christian Eriksen – 5/10
Alexis Sánchez – 6/10
Victor Moses – 5/10
Antonio Candreva – N/A