It was a great night for Sevilla as they managed to beat Liverpool 3-1 to win the Europa League for the third successive year. The victory was made even sweeter for Unai Emery’s men this year as they came storming back after being utterly dominated by Liverpool in the first half.
The final started out well for the English side as Daniel Sturridge scored a brilliant goal using the outside of his boot to place the ball with the utmost of precision. Sevilla though managed to equalize just 17 seconds into the second half as Kevin Gameiro tapped in from close range. A brace from Coke followed to lead the Spanish side to yet another victory in the competition (their record fifth Europa League, formerly known as UEFA Cup).
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The victory though meant much more than another European title as the Andalusian side are set to earn a lump sum amount for their victory. Not only does the Spaniards bag a cool 6.5 million Euros for winning the title, but also stand qualified fo an additional 12.5 million because of their qualification for next season’s Champions League. Were they to qualify for the knockout stages, they would be earning even more.
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Furthermore winning the Europa League ensures that Sevilla will be taking part in the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners (either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid) in Norway on the 9th of August. That game in itself is set to be reward them with another 3 million euros.
Speaking about his side’s victory against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Unai Emery was extremely happy with the performance of his players and believed that a mentality change was key to their ‘unique’ comeback.
"It's a unique satisfaction," said the jubilant Spaniard. "We organised our minds at the break and we knew why we had reached this stage. We had to remember that the neutral pitch was the Sanchez Pizjuan, that we were in Seville. And the team took off.”
"We had to go forward. We had to be ourselves. Liverpool are a great team and with the goal their belief began to grow. But this also happens with us. With the equaliser, we felt strong, we were confident.”
"The Europa League has given us a lot. I said that we had to enjoy the final, and to enjoy it doubly if we could win it,” quipped the 44-year-old.
Sevilla have not conquered Europe’s second most prestigious competition, but have been the dominating force for the past few years. Emery’s men will now be looking to cap their season off by defeating Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final set to be played this Sunday.
