Sevilla produced a stirring second half comeback to overturn a one-goal deficit and win their third consecutive Europa League title against Premier League side Liverpool in Switzerland.
Europa League holders Sevilla retained their European crown after coming back from a goal down against English side Liverpool, scoring three goals in a devastating second half display to win their third consecutive Europa League title and secure Champions League football next season.
Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool a deserved lead midway through the first half with an outstanding strike with the outside of the boot, with Jurgen Klopp’s side quickly finding their rhythm in what was their first European final since 2007.
.@DanielSturridge with a strike worthy of any final. ? #UELfinal https://t.co/JGXbDFxFJk
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) May 18, 2016
Liverpool had three strong penalty appeals turned down by referee Jonas Eriksson in what was a hugely encouraging opening 45 minutes from their point of view – but Sevilla emerged after the break with renewed vigour to draw themselves level in the first minute of the second half.
Kevin Gameiro, the La Liga side’s top scorer in the Europa League this season, tapped in after a superb run from the right-back Mariano to start the comeback, leaving Liverpool visibly shell-shocked. So impactful was the goal that the Premier League side soon looked a shadow of the team that had run Sevilla ragged in the first half.
Sevilla could well have been 2-0 up minutes later but for a superb stop from Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet, denying Gameiro a quickfire second after he had been put clean through on goal.
There was to be no mistake from the Sevilla captain Coke just after the hour with the 29 year-old brilliantly sweeping home a loose ball to give his side the lead for the first time on the night.
Liverpool hassled and harried but failed to regain control of the match they had looked in total control of in the first half, with Coke once again firing in after the ball fell kindly to him in the Liverpool box to give Sevilla yet another night of European glory.
What a turnaround! Coke scores his second of the game to put @SevillaFC_ENG 3-1 up. #UELfinal https://t.co/SHPRPwbfmO
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) May 18, 2016
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