Europa League RESULT: Sevilla defeat Inter Milan 3-2 in enthralling final in Cologne as Romelu Lukaku goes from hero to zero with calamitous own goal
Romelu Lukaku went from hero to zero for Inter Milan in the Europa League final as his own goal gifted the trophy to Sevilla in Germany.
Having opened the scoring from the spot and equalled the legendary Ronaldo’s scoring record for Inter in the process, it seemed as though the former Manchester United striker was on course for the headlines.
However, it proved to be a bitter end to the season for the 34-goal striker as his freak own goal condemned the Italian side to defeat.
Romelu Lukaku hangs his head after his freak own goal gifts Sevilla the Europa League trophy
No side has lifted this famous trophy on more occasions than Sevilla and they set about levelling the scores after Lukaku scored from the spot following Diego Carlos’ clumsy foul.
Former Newcastle United striker Luuk de Jong justified his place in the starting XI when he dived to meet Jesus Navas’ nearpost cross and powered a header past Samir Handanovic.
Inter boss Antonio Conte found his way into the referee’s notebook for his protests on the sidelines after his team’s appeals for a penalty had been waved away.
Conte’s mood took a further turn for the worse 12 minutes before the break when De Jong rose to send an unstoppable header past Handanovic from Ever Banega’s 33rd-minute free-kick.
Lukaku had given the Italians the lead from the spot
Former Newcastle United striker Luuk de Jong celebrates getting his side back in the game
But Sevilla’s joy was short-lived as Diego Godin got his head to Marcelo Brozovic’s inviting cross to level within three minutes.
After a breathless first half, Lukaku had the chance to break Sevilla hearts in the 65th minute when he raced through one-on-one with the keeper, but it was Bono who prevailed in the duel.
Sevilla edged back in front 16 minutes from time when an overhead kick by Carlos – arguably lucky to be on the field after conceding the early penalty – was inadvertently turned into the Inter net by Lukaku.
Former Chelsea boss Conte called on his fellow Premier League exiles to repair the damage as he flung on Christian Eriksen, Victor Moses and Alexis Sanchez – with the latter seeing an effort cleared off the line.
The 27-year-old had a glorious chance to give Inter the lead, but save his effort saved
However, the Spaniards survived the onslaught to lift the trophy for a record sixth time in their history.
Sevilla’s tally is double that of their nearest challengers, with Liverpool, Juventus, Inter and Atletico Madrid all having won three UEFA Cup or Europa League trophies.
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