Sevilla ultimately triumphed in a game of two halves against Liverpool on Wednesday, with the Spanish side winning a record third consecutive UEFA Europa League title.
Liverpool suffered a dramatic second-half collapse as Sevilla claimed the Europa League for the third season in succession with a superb comeback. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked on course to secure the prize of Champions League football — on offer to the winners of the Europa League — when Daniel Sturridge’s magnificent strike with the outside of his left foot gave them the lead just past the half-hour mark. The lead spurred the Reds on and saw them attack with more vigour and create more goal-scoring opportunities as they went into half time with a 1-0 lead.
However, all the hard work of that first half would be undone hardly 17 seconds into the second as Kevin Gameiro latched onto a Mariano Ferreira cross to equalize for the La Liga side. The Merseysiders didn’t quite recover from that set-back as Sevilla went up several notches in quality to establish their supremacy in their third straight European final.
Captain Coke was the unlikeliest of scorers on the night as he equalized for Unai Emery’s side in the 64th minute before slotting home a contentious third goal in the 70th minute to effectively end the Reds’ hopes of a 9th European crown. A night that started with such promise ended in disappointment for Liverpool and its legion of loyal followers.
Liverpool
Mignolet – 5
Didn’t have a whole lot to do in the first half. However, in the second half capitulation, the Belgian let three unanswered goals past him. While there is little he could have done to keep out the first two, he could have done marginally better on the third goal. He did pull off a few good saves to deny Kevin Gameiro to keep Liverpool in the game.
Clyne – 7
Was Liverpool’s more busier and industrious full-back. Clyne’s delivery into the box was exceptional, especially in the first half. Was arguably the best player on the night for the Reds.
Lovren – 5
Unfortunate to have his goal flagged off-side, Lovren tried his best to keep the defensive stability in the first half with some crucial tackles. However, the Croatian failed to mark his man on a couple of occasions that saw the likes of Gameiro left with acres of space to shoot at Mignolet’s goal.
Toure – 7
If this is the Ivorian’s last game in a Reds’ shirt, it was a dignified performance to bow out with. Was responsible for losing Gameiro at times but otherwise was solid for the Reds at the back.
Moreno – 3
Liverpool’s worst player on the night. His consistent surges forward without tracking back to his position cost the Reds against an inspired Sevilla in the second half. Was responsible for the first goal after a stray headed clearance fell straight back to Sevilla and the ensuing attack saw Emery’s side equalize through Gameiro.
Milner – 5
Tried hard in the centre of the park but lack of quality occasionally let him down. Kept chasing lost causes right to the end.
Can – 5
His first half performance was decent, but he was from the solid Emre Can that we witnessed in the semi-final. In the second half, however, the German completely lost the midfield battle to his Spanish counterparts as Sevilla took complete control over the Reds.
Lallana – 5
Was the busiest of the attacking midfielders in the Reds’ line-up, conjuring up some early chances to send Sturridge through on goal. Incisive with the passing and was good on the ball. Taken off for Joe Allen after 73 minutes.
Firmino – 4
Good control early on in the match should have led to Liverpool winning a penalty with a Sevilla defender handling the ball and taking down the Brazilian. The referee wasn’t interested though. Aside from that he had little impact and he came off for Divock Origi after 69 minutes.
Coutinho – 5
Scores a five only for his assist although it was Sturridge’s outrageous finishing more than the pass that actually made the goal for Liverpool. The Brazilian would have liked to have more control on the game and his impact was especially limited in the second half. He played a role in Sevilla’s third goal with Clyne’s flat clearance rebounding back into the box off Coutinho’s foot to send Coke through to score his second on the night.
Sturridge – 7
Along with Clyne, was among Liverpool’s better players on the night. His finish to give the Reds the lead was exquisite, but the Englishman, much like his team-mates, was largely absent in a poor second half display.
Allen – 4
Came on for Lallana and did well to establish some control in midfield and to provide Can assistance in the centre of the park. However, barring that, there was no meaningful contribution from the Welshman.
Origi – 4
Origi hadn’t played a single minute for Liverpool since his injury last month and was brought on for Firmino to provide a double threat up front with Sturridge. The Belgian failed to significantly impact Liverpool’s goal-scoring prospects.
Benteke – 3
The Belgian came on in the last 10 minutes for Kolo Toure to be part of a three-pronged strike force as Klopp changed the formation in a bid to help the Reds equalize. Apart from winning aerial duels, there was nothing else the former Aston Villa man had on offer for the Reds last night.
Sevilla
Soria – 5
Made a good save early on to deny Can, but lacked assurance thereafter as he saw a curler off the outside of Sturridge’s foot fly past him to give Liverpool the lead on the night. Wasn’t tested much in the second half as his side exerted their dominance in opposition territory.
Mariano – 7
Had an ordinary first half, but his persistence saw a much improved second half performance and his growth into the match was in line with that of his team’s. Assisted Gameiro with a peach of a cross into the box, leaving the Frenchman with a simple tap in to put the Spanish side level.
Adil Rami – 6
Lost Sturridge on a few occasions, apart from which it was a solid performance from the Frenchman.
Carrico – 8
Looked comfortable as a penalty box defender once Sevilla were able to sit deeper. His solidity at the back was crucial to put to bed any threat of Liverpool attacks growing outside his team’s box.
Escudero – 7
Was the weak link in Emery’s side during their first half display, where the Spaniar — like his Liverpool counter-part — surged higher up the park to mark Lallana while leaving acres of space for Clyne to exploit on that side of the park. However, he won the battle in the second half with Vitolo covering up for him every time he went forward.
Krychowiak – 7
Was careful in possession and his control on the ball helped win the side some crucial fouls and came in handy during Sevilla’s dominating second half display.
N’Zonzi – 7
The Frenchman’s physicality and aerial prowess was a huge bonus for Sevilla as it presented them with a target man during set pieces. Did his job to win aerial duels over his shorter team-mates in the Red shirt.
Coke – 9
The unlikeliest of goal threats for Sevilla on the night as the captain scored a brace in an all-round second half display that ended Liverpool’s hopes.
Ever Banega – 8
In his last game for the club, the veteran won the midfield battle over Emre Can and his control and vision was well put to use as the Argentine remained the focal point during their attacking endeavours.
Vitolo – 8
Delivered a quality performance in the second half which the Reds found hard to deal with. His work rate was commendable and he did well to cover up for Escudero at left-back whenever the Spaniard had slipped astray of his customary position.
Kevin Gameiro – 8
Was lethal for Sevilla up front in attack, providing a constant threat to Mignolet’s goal. His movement off the ball was commendable and allowed for a number of chances to be created in the second half. Scored the equalizer immediately after half-time to kick-start the resurgence.
Kolodzieczak – 6
Came on as a substitute and did well to deal with the threat of Origi and Benteke late in the game.
Iborra – 6
Ran the channels after coming on to stretch Liverpool.
Christoforo – N/A
Brought in stoppage time and aside from a run down the left-flank late in the game, didn’t have much to do.
Big blow to Klopp’s summer plans for Liverpool
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp had so much riding on this game. The lure of Champions League football, alongside the chance to play for Klopp himself and at Anfield, would have completed an attractive package to set before any potential signings. Liverpool may still attract players of high class, but a crucial weapon in their transfer strategy has been neutralised by this defeat.
