This year’s Europa League final lived up to its billing as a frantic and highly entertaining first half of football eventually ensued.
The Serie A side drew first blood in the opening five minutes from the penalty spot kind courtesy of their familiar source Romelu Lukaku, but Luuk de Jong brought Sevilla level seven minutes later with a header, and the former Newcastle United man doubled his tally with a second headed effort on 33 minutes.
Antonio Conte’s men hit back immediately through Uruguay defender Diego Godin, but Diego Carlos’ late stunner in the second half handed Lopetegui his first trophy as the manager of Sevilla.
Speaking after the game, the Spanish coach labeled their victory as special.
“It is very special. Always it is very special to win one cup. For us, for me, for the fans it is very special. We have a happy end,” the former Real Madrid and Spain coach told BT Sports.
"Luuk de Jong is a very good player, he worked for his moment and he was ready in the right moment.
"We had three penalties in the last three matches in the first five minutes but our team never surrenders."
Ever Banega played his last game for Sevilla in the final and Lopetegui revealed he is not happy losing the Argentine.
He added “I am not surprised. I am sad he is going out but I am not surprised. He is a fantastic player with a good mentality."
