BUDAPEST – The UEFA Europa League season 2022/23 final will be played between Sevilla meet AS Roma on 31st May at Puskas Arena, Hungary.
Although this is the battle of the championship of a second-tier tournament in Europe, it is dragging much attraction and interest to football fans worldwide.
Sevilla is the most successful club in UEL history, which won all their six appearances in Europa finals, holding the record with six trophies.
“The King of Europa” again becomes the favourite of champion this season, but expects a huge challenge against the Italian club.
As Roma have their best opportunity to win their first Europa League title in club history.
With the coaching of Jose Mourinho, they lifted the UEFA Conference League title last season, hoping to earn another championship in the European events for two consecutive years.
Road to the final
Sevilla played in the UEL knockout round play-off after being eliminated in the UEFA Champions League as third place in Group G.
Knocked PSV Eindhoven out with an aggregate 3-2, they then eliminated Fenerbahce 2-1 in the round of 16 and beat Manchester United 5-2 in the quarter final.
Los Nervionenses defeated Juventus with a total score 3-2 in the semi final, thanks to the deciding goal from Erik Lamela in the extra time.
AS Roma finished as second place in Group C in the UEL group stage, and eliminated RB Salzburg 2-1 in the play-off round.
The Red Wolves knocked Real Sociedad out 2-0 in the round of 16, sent Feyenoord 4-2 home after extra time in the quarter final, and beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in the Last 4.
Records await Mourinho
Jose Mourinho will accomplish at least three achievements by winning the UEFA Europa League title tonight.
Roma participated in the UEL for 18 times in history, and haven’t collected a trophy, last time they appeared in the final were in 1991. The Portuguese aims to bring the Serie A club their first kemp.
The 60-year-old boss led Porto to win the Europa League in 2003, another for Manchester United in 2017. He stands a chance to become the only coach in history to collect three UEL titles by leading different clubs.
“The Special One” has won all the five finals in the European competitions, including two UEL winners above, the Champions League trophies for Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010, plus the Conference League championship for Roma last year.
Paulo Dybala returns
AS Roma is glad to have Paulo Dybala returned to their squad after his absence in most Serie A games this year due to injury.
The Argentine attacker acts as a key player of the Red Wolves, giving Mourinho much confidence in arranging his best line-up.
The 29-year-old star might serve as a substitute in the final against Sevilla, as he is yet to fight in top condition after recovery.
The Portuguese boss has still a few remarkable players to score or assist, including Tammy Abraham, Stephan El Shaarawy and Georgina Wijnaldum.