Sevilla won against Roma on penalties and added its seventh title in the European league

Roma were beaten 4-1 by Sevilla on penalties in the Europa League on Wednesday night, extending their record to a seventh title.

It was Gonzalo Montiel who converted the spot-kick for Sevilla's victory five months earlier.

"Sevilla are the best team, and we know that," Maurinho said after the game. "They have experience and quality players on all fronts that we don't have. We played the first half well, and Sevilla changed their strategy in the second half and it was a draw."

"For 120 minutes we played well and the chances to win were wide open, but the game had to go to a penalty shootout which all depended on fate.

Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Morocco's World Cup semi-finalist, blocked shots from Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibarez, while Sevilla executed all shots perfectly, scoring their first four goals.

"I've had a lot of moments like this, faced pressure in the penalty shootout and had to stay calm and focused," Bounou said. "Similarly, teammates provide a lot of calm and security. The euphoria of the world cup a year ago was full of emotion, still leaving the energy that I carry in this match. I am a club worker who is ready to defend Sevilla. The manager has entrusted me and I have to repay that trust."

Replacing previous Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli in March, Mendilibar becomes Sevilla's third coach with a team just two points clear of La Liga's relegation zone. Only lost two games out of 11 matches to get one point from the seventh-placed team and enter the final round this weekend.

"I'm happy to be here, happy to be able to dedicate the victory to the club, despite the difficulties," Mendilibar said. "We've done our best and got the best of things."

Sevilla are the kings of the European leagues that everyone admits, having won the seven finals they have played in this competition.
Paulo Dybala gave Italy the lead from counter-attacks in the 35th minute but Sevilla then took control of the game and found the equaliser thanks to an own goal by Mancini in the 55th minute.

 

A victory that means a lot to Sevilla who are unbeaten in the Europa League final and will compete in the Champions League next season even though in La Liga they finished outside the top four.

Former Roma player (2011-2013) Erik Lamela commented: "It was a very difficult game against a former team I loved, but professionalism in football I have to run, now I play for Sevilla, so all my body and soul for Sevilla.