Sevilla were crowned Europa League champions for a record-extending sixth time after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Inter Milan in Cologne on Friday.
In a breathless conclusion to Europe’s second-tier competition, Romelu Lukaku won and converted a fifth-minute penalty as Inter struck first at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Luuk de Jong’s bullet header hauled Sevilla level within seven minutes, and the Dutchman doubled his tally with a second headed effort on 33 minutes.
Inter hit back immediately through Diego Godin as a pulsating first half took another fascinating twist, but there was no way back for Antonio Conte’s side when Diego Carlos’ stunning bicycle kick deflected off Lukaku into his own net with 16 minutes remaining.
Sevilla saw out yet another European triumph to hand Julen Lopetegui the first trophy of his managerial career as the Europa League reached a memorable conclusion in Germany.
But just as Inter had, Sevilla relinquished their lead in an instant as Godin rose high to head Marcelo Brozovic’s cross past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The breathless first-half nature transferred into a tense second period that culminated in Sevilla restoring their lead on 74 minutes.
After Inter failed to sufficiently clear a Banega free-kick, centre-back Diego Carlos produced an acrobatic over-head kick that struck the outstretched leg of Lukaku on its way into the net.
Substitute Alexis Sanchez had an effort cleared off the line by Jules Kounde late on, but a desperate Sevilla rearguard action kept Inter at bay to secure yet another Europa League success for the Spaniards.
Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui: “You have to know how to cope with difficult moments and overcome them. This is a feeling of immense happiness. I’m so grateful to our players for how hard they worked. Our anthem says we never give up and tonight we proved that again.”
“This is a magnificent club. I hope all the fans can celebrate it but with caution. This squad are great. They believe in it, what they work on and what they transmit. Even if we hadn’t won, I’d still love these guys, but today we take home the prize. We always believed.”
Inter Milan head coach Antonio Conte: “I don’t have many regrets now; my players gave really everything they had against a team used to playing these kind of games.
“Many young players earned a great dose of valuable experience this season. They can continue on this path with great confidence.”
Sky sport
