BY Jonathan Ledger
Sevilla have overcome a fifth-minute penalty to defeat Inter Milan 3-2 in the Europa League final, thanks to Diego Carlos’ effort that proved to be the winning goal in Germany.
The Julen Lopetegui’s side, with a rich history in the Europa League, came from behind to beat Inter Milan for a record-extending sixth Europa League title.
Inter Milan started the final the best way possible with a goal in the fifth minute through Romelu Lukaku’s penalty kick.
The former Manchester United striker, brought down by Carlos in the Sevilla box, picked himself up and scored his 15th Europa League goal in his 11th consecutive game for Inter.
The Spanish side, however, responded with two goals to turn the game around in thirty minutes through two Luuk de Jong headers.
The Netherlands striker equalized on 12 minutes, powering home a header from Jesus Navas’ cross. The former Newcastle striker completed the turnaround on 33 minutes with another superb header at the back post, heading past Inter goalkeeper into the far corner for 2-1.
Antonio Conte’s men responded immediately with a header two minutes later with Diego Godin, former Atletico Madrid defender, nodding in Marcelo Brozovic’s header to restore parity.
Both clubs traded chances but neither could regain the advantage as they went into the interval all square.
The second period went into a lull until it was jolted to life when Sevilla regained the lead in the 75th minute through Carlos. The Italians failed to clear a Sevilla free-kick and the Brazilian player’s overhead kick was unstoppable by Lukaku, whose outstretched leg helped the ball into the net for 3-2 lead.
Conte responded to the goal with the introduction of Victor Moses, Nigerian winger, and Cristian Eriksen, while Alexi Sanchez also came on minutes later but they could not influence the match.
Sevilla closed out the final that gives coach Lopetegui his first career title in club football.
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