the grand finale of Europa Leaguein between Sevilla e Roma, takes place this Wednesday, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at the Puskás Arena, in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to the dispute for the trophy of the second most important tournament in Europe, the duel puts face to face the historic coach José Mourinho with the greatest champion of the continental competition.
At the Italian club since last season, the Portuguese coach showed why he is known as “The Special One” by winning the first edition of the Conference League – the first continental title with UEFA seal in the history of Roma. Thus, it became the only one to win the three main European championships.
In addition, he reached the fifth continental cup in his career, becoming the third commander on the list of biggest winners, behind only Alex Ferguson and Giovanni Trapattoni, who have six, and Carlo Ancelotti, who has eight. He also maintained his excellent record in European finals, emerging victorious in all five of his appearances.
This could even be Mourinho’s third title in the Europa League – he was champion in 2002/03, with Porto, and in 2016/17, with Manchester United. That way, he would equal Trapattoni as the second biggest winner, behind only Unai Emery, with four.
The Portuguese’s list of European conquests is completed with two Champions League cups, first as coach of Porto, in the 2003/04 season, and then with Internazionale, in 2009/10.
Finally, the 60-year-old coach could become the fifth manager with the most trophies in football history. If he wins the 27th title of his career, he would be equal to, nothing less, than Luiz Felipe Scolari, just two behind the Ukrainian Valery Lobanovsky, fourth on the list.
Greatest champion, Sevilla impresses in the tournament
If Mourinho’s record in continental finals is impressive, Sevilla is not far behind, at least in the Europa League. Biggest champion of the tournament, the Spanish club triumphed in all six decisions it played – 2005/06, 2006/07, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2019/20.
Incidentally, the team, currently coached by José Luis Mendilibar, has twice as many cups in the competition as the second biggest winners – Internazionale, Juventus, Livepool and Atlético de Madrid, all with three trophies.
On the other hand, Roma was runner-up in the only time they played a Europa League final, in 1990/91, when they lost to Inter Milan.
Mourinho defends great record against the Spanish club
What can bring more confidence to Roma supporters for this Wednesday’s decision is José Mourinho’s good record against Sevilla. Former coach of Real Madrid, the Portuguese faced the team from the Andalusia region ten times, totaling seven wins, one draw and only two defeats. Therefore, he accumulates a performance of 73.3%.
Of all the clashes, divided mainly into Spanish Championship and Copa del Rey, two were for the Champions League, in the 2017/18 season, in duels valid for the round of 16. Already as manager of Manchester United, Mourinho, however, was not successful – he was eliminated after a goalless draw in Spain and a 2-1 defeat in England.
In the retrospect between Rome and Sevilla, the Spaniards won the only meeting between the clubs, which took place in the round of 16 of the Europa League itself, in 2019/20. The classification came after a 2-0 victory – the tournament took place in single games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The current moment, absences and team returns for the decision
Both teams have yet to play in the last round of their respective national championships. Sixth placed in the Italian, Roma is already guaranteed in some European competition next season. It can reach the fifth position and thus play in the Europa League. It could drop to seventh place and compete in the Conference League. Or they can qualify for the Champions League if they win on Wednesday.
In turn, Sevilla needs to win in the final round and rely on a combination of results to jump from 11th to seventh place in Spanish and, thus, confirm their trip to the Conference League. The other way to be in a continental tournament is to win the decision against the Italians.
For the match, the Spanish team has left-back Marcos Acuña, who was sent off in the second game of the semifinal against Juventus. On the other hand, Roma have the returns of Dybala, Spinazzola and Pellegrini. However, only the Italian midfielder should start the final between the starters.
Finally, Brazil will have four representatives in the decision. Called up for the friendlies of the Brazilian National Team on the FIFA Date in June, defender Ibañez defends the Romanista club, while left-back Alex Telles, also selected, wears the Spanish shirt. In addition to him, Sevilla still has defender Marcão and defensive midfielder Fernando in their squad.
Final countdown ⌛️
Seville 🆚 Rome#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/FOOzsAFCPf
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 28, 2023
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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