Sevilla Take Europa League In Penalties

For Benfica, it's been 52 years since they last claimed European glory and seven straight (make that eight now) losses in big European competition finals. They were a team that worked so hard to make it to the Europa League final in Turin for the second straight year and for the second straight year, Benfica fans are left heartbroken. Sevilla were the comeback kings this year as they had to overcome a 3 to 0 deficit in the semifinals just to make it to Turin today. Sevilla has now claimed their third Europa league title in the last ten years over a Benfica side that was missing three players from the lineup due to card suspensions. When the two teams hit the field, you knew they was going to be excitement as Benfica had an early chance on goal in the second minute of play while Sevilla's Carlos Bacca had a chance several minutes later, but for the most part that was all they were in the first half of play.

In the second half, Benfica turned up the engines and started to attack Sevilla more while Sevilla waited and became more patient trying to pick their spots on the counter attack, but still after 90 minutes of play the game remained scoreless. It was frustrating to watch Lima who many occasions would elect not to shoot the ball towards the net on the several chances he had. You could see the fatigue in the players from bit squads, but Benfica continued to attack until the extra 30 minutes were over. Penalty kicks are a method that will make any fan nervous because it could go either way. Lima and Bacca were the firsts to shoot and both of the men made their shots. Extra time substitute Oscar Cardozo would miss his shot while Stéphane Mbia didn't miss his. Rodrigo would be the next to shoot and he missed for Benfica. The rest wouldn't matter after the next two shooters for Sevilla didn't miss winning 4 to 2 in Penalty kicks. My players of the game from both sides is Maxi Pereira for Benifca who was an absolute workhorse creating chances and Beto from Sevilla who was dynamite in the net. Benfica still has the Tace De Portugal to play while the season is over for Sevilla which this is not a bad way to end your season.