Sevilla claimed their third straight Europa league final, securing a place in next year’s Champions League with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over a sorry Liverpool side at St Jakob’s Park in Basel.
The first period was clouded by controversy, as the Liverpool players and fans were forced to adjust to the more strict, European-style officiating enforced by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson. And they did have a clear case for argument on three occasions throughout the half, as penalty shouts for what looked to be intentional handballs were waved away.
Daniel Sturridge was lively throughout the half, as he created the first string of chances, with a header which was cleared off the line, and a right-foot shot which was blocked, after being slipped in by Adam Lallana. Sevilla came close with their first chance of the game, an attempted bicycle kick by Kevin Gameiro, but it was Sturridge who opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance 34 minutes in. The ball was laid off by Coutinho, and the English striker converted an outstanding outside-of-the-foot strike into the far corner, sending Liverpool fans into dreamland.
UEL – Player Ratings – Liverpool 1 Sevilla 3
However they were soon brought back down to earth 19 seconds into the second half, as Sevilla’s Brazilian right back Mariano cheekily nutmegged the former Sevilla man Alberto Moreno, and squared the ball across for Kevin Gameiro to tap in his 29th goal of the season. The two-time defending champions then clicked into gear, as a progression of chances on the counter for Kevin Gamiero eventually resulted in the goal to which put Sevilla in the lead. The ball fell to Coke off the end of a quick string of passes, and he lashed in a first time shot into the bottom corner. The captain then put his side two goals up, after the ball fell to him after defensive confusion in the Liverpool area. A little unlucky for the English side perhaps, but in the end it was an easy finish to the match for Sevilla.
And despite Jürgen Klopp’s best efforts, who suffers his fifth straight cup final defeat, Liverpool were unable to conjure a Dortmund-like comeback, eventually outclassed by their Spanish opposition.
Defensive frailties persist for Liverpool
Liverpool, in recent times, have been caught out defensively again and again, with a great emphasis on attack, but the tendency to leak cheap goals has come back to bite them on many occasions, as did in this cup final. The loss of Mamadou Sakho had a serious effect on the side, as his partnership with Dejan Lovren which had brought so much success was broken. Kolo Toure tried his hardest, however someone at that age should not be relied upon for such an important fixture. Alberto Moreno was yet again exploited by his former team mates, at fault for a couple of the goals. Back to the drawing board for the Reds, reinforcements are needed and a big season with no European football is ahead.
Gamiero grows into it
After a relatively quiet first half, a frantic display in the second period proved why Kevin Gamiero may well be the most unlucky man in football at this moment. Despite his constant heroics, both in this match and through the season, he has been excluded from the French squad to participate in his home European Championships. His 29-goal season was capped off by a clinical display in the cup final, with his frenetic movement and bursting pace in the end proving to be the difference for Sevilla.
Sturridge is world class
Someone who is going to the Euros is Daniel Sturridge. England have no shortage of in-form strikers, with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane, as well as Daniel Sturridge who has now stuck his hand up to being considered for Roy Hodgson’s starting XI at the tournament. There has been some doubt circulating over the past few months regarding the 26 year old’s future at Liverpool, and his showing tonight has well and truly put on display what Klopp would be missing if he did let him go.
Toughest Europa League of all time
Since the competition’s re-branding in 2001, the Europa league has been rightfully considered the second tier in European football, both in principle and quality of play. However this year’s competition, featuring the likes of Borrusia Dortmund, Napoli, Villarreal, Tottenham as well as the two finalists, has continued to deliver epic match days, rivalling the Champions League in excitement, openness of play and quality at times. However despite the development in proceedings, the same side rose to the top yet again, Sevilla eventually the deserved 3 times straight champions.
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