BUDAPEST – Sevilla again proved that they are the “King of Europa” by updating their record as seven times UEFA Europa League winner.
The Spanish club defeated AS Roma after a penalty shootout in the UEL final season 2022/23 at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary last night.
Los Nervionenses continued to reign the second-tier tournament in European events, winning all their seven appearances in the finals.
Roma still yet to collect their first ever European championship in club history, after they participated in the finals for 19 times including yesterday.
Own goal equalised Dybala’s score
The Italian club had a bright start after Paulo Dybala hit the opening goal in the 35th minute.
However, Gianluca Mancini, who assisted the Argentinian, netted an own goal in 55’ to equalise the score.
Both teams stayed 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time, pushing the match to penalties.
Sevilla players succeeded in their shots in the first three rounds, while their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two of Roma’s shots.
Gonzalo Montiel finished the game with a result 4-1 by netting the La Liga club’s fourth goal.
Fury of Jose Mourinho
AS Roma are deeply frustrated by leaving Budapest as runner-up, not just failing to hail their first ever European title, but also missing the only opportunity to qualify into the UEFA Champions League next season.
The Red Wolves are now in sixth place in the Italian Serie A with one matchday left, confirmed to lose the UCL ticket, while having a hope to play for the Europa League again next season.
Roma’s manager Jose Mourinho was in serious fury after the final, criticising the referee Anthony Taylor who made several controversial decisions during the match.
The English judge refused to give a penalty kick after Sevilla’s Fernando apparently committed a handball in his own box in the 81st minute.
Mourinho complained about Taylor with foul words in the post-match press conference.
The renowned coach even waited for the umpire in the car park of the stadium, to express his anger and scolded him face to face.
He is expected to receive a punishment regarding his abuse on a match judge.
Next stop of The Special One
After the last match of AS Roma in season 2022/23, Jose Mourinho is uncertain of his future.
The Special One has his record stopped, which won all his five appearances in the European tournaments’ finals before this Wednesday.
The winner of two Champions League titles, two Europa League titles and a Conference League trophy, will probably leave the Serie A club this summer.
Rumour has it that the 60-year-old Portuguese will join a giant club before next season, to compete for a league title or even the UCL championship.
The former manager of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester United proved that he is still able to lead a top class club, with more resources and more money.
Paris Saint-Germain from the French Ligue 1 is said to be his potential new employer.