"?Sevilla made history with a third consecutive Europa League title on Wednesday night and fifth overall with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in an end to end final in Basel. For a second year in a row they will now be rewarded with a place in the Champions League group stage for their efforts.
Unair Emery's side actually found themselves under pressure early on, up against a Liverpool side determined to make a strong start and claim their first European silverware since 2005 and that night in Istanbul.
RESULT
Congratulations Sevilla, #UELfinal winners! ? pic.twitter.com/L8UZTTprvU
Boasting nearly 30 goals in all competitions before kick-off, Kevin Gameiro went close with an overhead kick for Sevilla. But that was the only chance the Spaniards could create in the first half.
When Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool the lead with a stunner in the 35th minute it had been coming. The England striker curled the ball into the far corner with the outside of his left foot past the outstretched hand of David Soria.
It gave the Reds the impetus to push for a second and Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, James Milner and Sturridge again all had half chances before the end of the half. Lovren even had the ball in the net, only to see it ruled out after an offside Sturridge hung a leg out in front of the goalkeeper.
Jurgen Klopp would have been hoping for exactly the same from his side when the second half resumed, but no more than 20 seconds had elapsed when Gameiro drew Sevilla back level.
Alberto Moreno, crucially involved in Liverpool's opener, was at fault not once, but twice. A former winner with Sevilla, the full-back's lax header only went as far as Mariano and was then too easily beaten as the Brazilian crossed for Gameiro to finish.
Moments later a heroic last ditch tackle from 35-year-old Kolo Toure stopped Gameiro turning the game on its head. With Liverpool under the cosh, Simon Mignolet made a crucial save to deny an unmarked Gameiro again at the hour mark.
11 - Sevilla had 11 shots vs Liverpool, with all but one of them coming in the second half. Hustlers.
Much like when Liverpool's goal had been coming, Sevilla's second had been coming when Coke gave Sturridge a run for his money with an equally classy finish to cap off a sharp and incisive passing move that positioned the ball for the first time finish.
A horrible defensive mess gifted Coke his second and Sevilla their third after a double ricochet off Liverpool players presented the ball to the goalscorer with only Mignolet to beat. There was an air of confusion when Coke blasted home as the Reds appealed in vain for an offside call that wasn't there to be given. The goal correctly stood.
As Liverpool were forced to throw men forward in a bid to get back in the game it left plenty of space for Sevilla to break away for a fourth. If there was going to be another goal that was where it would come from.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Toure (Benteke - 83'), Moreno, Milner, Can, Lallana (Allen -73'), Firmino (Origi - 69'), Coutinho, Sturridge
Sevilla: Soria, Mariano, Rami (Kolodziejczak - 78'), Carrico, Escudero, N'Zonzi, Krychowiak, Coke, Banega (Cristoforo - 90+3'), Vitolo, Gameiro (Iborra - 89')
¡¡¡Nadie la quiere como nosotros!!! #PENTACAMPEONES pic.twitter.com/48cxX6Rwzo
"?"?