It was a final that lived up to the hype. The grueling match was decided on penalties after a 1-1 tie.
Sevilla won the Europa League for the seventh time in a row after defeating Roma in a penalty shootout. Gonzalo Montiel scored the game-winning penalty, sending the Spaniards into ecstasy as the shootout ended 4-1.
After the game, Roma manager Jose Mourinho waited for English referee Anthony Taylar and called him a ‘f***ing disgrace’ as he walked out of Budapest’s Puskas Arena.
Taylor had issued 12 yellow cards to the players as well as Mourinho and three of his coaching staff.
The whistle-man gave Sevilla a penalty in the 75th minute after Lucas Ocampos appeared to be fouled by Roma center-back Roger Ibanez, but his decision was overturned by VAR.
Taylor’s biggest call of the game, which left Mourihno angry, was when he called encroachment on Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio after he saved Gonzalo Montiel’s deciding penalty, with the defender then scoring his retake to win the trophy for Sevilla.
“It was an intense, masculine, vibrant game with a referee who seemed Spanish. It was yellow, yellow, yellow all the time,” Mourinho said.
“We are accustomed to the influence of referees in our games, it’s nothing new, but I didn’t expect it in a European final,” he added as quoted by DAZN.
Mourinho explains Roma’s loss
Despite everything, Mourinho said he was proud of his team’s performance and acknowledged that the season had taken its toll.
“We’re physically exhausted, mentally drained, feeling dead because we believe it’s an unjust defeat with numerous debatable incidents.
He added “We are dead tired, but proud. I always say you can lose a football match, but never your dignity or professionalism.”
“I lost this one, but I return home prouder than ever this time. The lads gave absolutely everything this season.”
Mourinho delivered Roma’s first European trophy in over 60 years when they won the Conference League last season. This time, the Portuguese mananger came up just short, missing out on both Champions League qualification and Europa League title.
Following the loss, many now question the Special One’s future in the capital of Italy.
Late last year he was linked with the Portuguese national team and it’s reported that he turned down the offer with one year left on his contract, perhaps he will continue his tenure.
READ MORE: Sevilla sets Europa League record
Meanwhile, Sevilla now boasts a resounding record in the competition, winning every time they have reached the quarter-finals.
The La Liga side has now won the Europa League seven times in the last 18 years, making them the competition’s most successful team.
