Sevilla of Spain have defeated liverpool 3-1 to win its fifth and 3rd consecutive Europa cup in St. Jakob Park Basel.
The match had begun at a cautious note, with both teams nervous. However, a moment of brilliance by Liverpool striker Sturridge in the 34th minute put Liverpool in the lead. In a stunning finish, he bended the ball into the far corner with side foot.
Kevin Gameiro profited from Liverpool’s messy defending on the left flank twenty-six seconds into the second half when he tucked in a tailored cross inside the six yard box. The Reds were still to realise the match had resumed.
Two minutes later, Liverpool was saved by Kolo Toure’s uncompromising defending when he slided a goal bound shot into the corner.
The equaliser made Liverpool lose its rhythm and they never recovered until Coke struck in the 64th minute with a beautiful in foot slice to make it 2-1 Sevilla. And six minutes later, Coke made it worse for the Reds with another close range jab when Liverpool’s offside trap failed.
Sevilla, who finished badly at 7th position in La Liga, made history by winning the Europa Cup for the third time consecutively. It is also its fifth triumph in ten years, making the Andalusia club record winners in the competition. They have played in five Europa finals and five times they emerged champions. The victory secured them a place in next year’s Champions League group stage.
It also means that Spanish clubs will win both Europe’s club competitions this year, as the Champions League final will be a Spanish affair between Real Madrid and city rivals, Atletico.
For Liverpool’s manager, Juergen Klopp, it was an opportunity missed to end his debut as Liverpool coach in fabulous style. It was meant that the Reds will go through next season without a taste of Europe, having finished 8th in the Premier League.
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