Sevilla won the 2014 Europa League final following a penalty-shootout victory over Benfica in Turin.
The Iberian rivals could not be separated in 120 minutes of football, with the clash heading for penalties.
The Spanish side netted four times from the spot, while two missed efforts from Benfica allowed the La Liga team to claim the trophy for the third time.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics
Sevilla
Shots: 11
On target: 7
Possession: 51%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 21
Benfica
Shots: 21
On target: 15
Possession: 49%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 25
Was the result fair?
In truth, when a contest heads for penalties, the outcome is always going to be difficult for the defeated side to take. Benfica will feel that they just about shaded the match in terms of attacking opportunities and while that was perhaps the case, Sevilla had more than their fair share of chances during a pulsating 120 minutes of football. It might have finished 0-0, but that does not tell the whole story - far from it. Benfica had their best moments in the latter stages of the first period and early stages of the second, but Sevilla remained a threat on the counter throughout. Penalties were always going to be a harsh way to decide a match of this magnitude, but it was the Spanish side that held their nerve at the vital moment.
Sevilla's performance
Despite enjoying a successful season, Unai Emery's side did not enter the match in the best of form. They had lost three of their last four in all competitions and tiredness had seemed to creep into their recent performances. That was not the case this evening, however, with the La Liga outfit showing that they belong at this level of football. Centre-backs Nicolas Pareja and Federico Fazio were just terrific, while Stephane Mbia and Ivan Rakitic also gave standout performances for Emery's side. It seemed that Benfica would run away with the match following a strong start to the second period, but Sevilla recovered in impressive fashion and might have won it late on after forcing the issue in the final third. Carlos Bacca was guilty of missing a couple of golden chances and on another night, the match might have been decided in normal time. However, with a Europa League title in their hands and seemingly a top-five finish in La Liga, it has been a brilliant campaign for the Seville outfit.
Benfica's performance
The Portuguese outfit entered the match targeting their third trophy of the season after already winning their domestic league and League Cup. However, they really struggled to find their passing tempo in the opening half in Turin. Too often their play broke down in the final third, with Sevilla comfortable for long spells. They were without the suspended Enzo Perez, Eduardo Salvio and Lazar Markovic, however, and there is no question that they struggled without three of their key performers. Luisao and Ezequiel Garay were both brilliant in the heart of Benfica's defence, but the likes of Rodrigo and Lima flattered to deceive for long spells in forward positions. It was also strange that Jorge Jesus did not signal for experienced forward Oscar Cardozo until extra-time. There were periods of the match where the two-time winners threatened to take control, but they never really pushed home their advantage. Benfica have now lost in their last eight European finals. They were beaten by a last-minute Chelsea goal last season and have ultimately come up short once more this time around.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Stephane Mbia: Sevilla's on-loan Queens Park Rangers midfielder Mbia was just sensational this evening. The 27-year-old's career stalled last season at Loftus Road, but he has been brilliant for the Spanish side in recent months. Fazio and Rakitic must also get a mention in this category, but Mbia's all-action performance in the middle of the park gains him the award. When his teammates were struggling in the latter stages, the Cameroon international pulled his side through.
Biggest gaffe
In truth, this is difficult, with both sides missing a host of chances throughout the contest. There was a period in the second half, however, when Benfica really should have scored. Four opportunities arrived in the space of 20 seconds, but Rodrigo and Lima were both denied on two occasions. The latter had the best chance after facing up to Sevilla goalkeeper Beto, but the Brazilian fired his effort straight at the Portugal international.
Referee performance
As expected, it was a busy evening for German referee Felix Brych in Italy. Both sides felt that they should have had a penalty in the first period, but the official was not interested. First, Luisao seemed to pull Sevilla forward Bacca to the ground, before Nicolas Gaitan was chopped down by Fazio in the Sevilla box moments before the interval. There were also a couple of shouts in the second period, but none that carried much weight. It proved to be a busy evening in terms of card distribution, meanwhile, with Brych issuing five yellows in what was an explosive contest.
What next?
Sevilla: Emery's side round off their La Liga campaign with a home match against Elche on Sunday.
Benfica: Next up for Benfica is Rio Ave in the final of Portuguese Cup on Sunday.
Matt Law
