The UEFA Europa League Final 2023: Sevilla FC v AS Roma

The UEFA Europa League continues to entertain and gain importance as clubs from around the continent look to add a European Cup to their trophy cabinets. The trophy, one of the most gorgeously designed pieces of silverware out there, is ready to be hoisted again, and we’re thrilled that we have two partners taking part in the UEFA Europa League final.

When is the UEFA Europa League Final?

Get match-ready on Wednesday 31st May 2023:

Sevilla FC v AS Roma

Puskás Aréna, Budapest

21:00 CEST Kick Off

The venue: The Puskás Aréna, Budapest

The Puskás Aréna stands tall as a remarkable football stadium, embodying the essence of the beautiful game. Located in Budapest, Hungary, it pays homage to the legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskás. This state-of-the-art arena exudes grandeur with its impressive capacity of over 67,000 passionate fans. The atmosphere within its walls is electric, as the roaring crowd ignites a fiery spirit that resonates across the field. Impeccable pitch conditions and modern facilities elevate the overall experience, while the architectural design seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics. We can’t wait for it to illuminate this fantastic UEFA Europa League final.

Sevilla FC’s road to the UEFA Europa League Final

Sevilla FC has become synonymous with success in the UEFA Europa League, forging an indomitable legacy in the competition. With a fiery passion and relentless determination, the club has hoisted the coveted trophy aloft on multiple occasions. Their unrivalled prowess and tactical finesse have seen them navigate through intense battles, displaying unwavering resilience. The players, adorned in their iconic white and red jerseys, showcase technical brilliance and teamwork that often leaves opponents in awe. Sevilla FC’s ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-filled moments sets them apart, earning them the reputation of being a force to be reckoned with in European football. Their journey in the Europa League continues to captivate fans worldwide, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their remarkable story. This will be their 7th UEFA Europa League final, having won the competition no less than six times. They are the experts…

This season Sevilla FC only lost two European matches and got into the groove in the quarter-final stages, where they faced Manchester United. It was the home side who took a 2-0 lead, but one should know by now that Sevilla, in this competition, should never be written off. Two late own goals levelled the score, and United were then flattened 3-0 in Seville. It was clear, Sevilla FC were going for it again. The semi-finals saw them paired against Juventus, and it was a 95th-minute strike by Erik Lamela that took them to the final in a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.

This side is resilient and always hungry, so watch out AS Roma fans.

AS Roma’s road to the UEFA Europa League Final

While Sevilla FC are the experts, AS Roma’s manager Jose Mourinho is himself a cup specialist too. He is no stranger to European silverware and having won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, he’s looking to go one further this term.

AS Roma have lost four European matches this season and progression to this final seemed unlikely. But one thing you can count on is that a Jose Mourinho side simply never gives up, and a cup tie is a cup tie – meaning a good solid 90-minute leg can make all the difference. Their defining moment was how they handled the first leg Play-Off final defeat at Salzburg. Nicolás Capaldo’s 88th-minute goal was celebrated wildly in Austria, but a calm Mourinho was not to be phased. His side roared back in the second leg, winning 2-0. It was then onwards and upwards as Mourinho was shaping his side up for an epic end to the season. They topped Feyenoord in the second leg of their quarter-final, despite losing the first leg again, overcame Bayern Leverkusen 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals and now face a determined Sevilla FC side looking to dominate this competition once again.

These two sides are extremely well matched up, and in a final, literally, anything can happen!

Memorable UEFA Europa League finals

The UEFA Europa League has witnessed numerous memorable finals that have left a lasting impact on football fans worldwide. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

2013-14: Sevilla vs. Benfica – This final showcased an intense battle that went into extra time. The match ended goalless, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Sevilla emerged victorious, winning 4-2 on penalties, securing their third consecutive Europa League title.

2017-18: Atlético Madrid vs. Marseille – In a thrilling final held in Lyon, France, Atlético Madrid dominated the match, with Antoine Griezmann scoring twice. Atlético secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, claiming their third Europa League title.

2015-16: Liverpool vs. Sevilla – This final saw an incredible comeback from Sevilla. Liverpool took an early 1-0 lead, but Sevilla fought back strongly, scoring three goals in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory and claim their third consecutive Europa League title.

2009-10: Atlético Madrid vs. Fulham – This final was an intense battle that went into extra time. Atlético Madrid’s Diego Forlán scored a dramatic winning goal in the 116th minute, securing a 2-1 victory and their second Europa League title.

2000-01: Liverpool vs. Alavés – This final was a high-scoring and dramatic encounter. The match ended 4-4 in regular time, leading to extra time. A golden goal by Liverpool’s Delfi Geli, who scored an own goal, sealed a thrilling 5-4 victory for Liverpool.

These memorable Europa League finals have provided fans with extraordinary moments, showcasing the competitiveness and excitement that the tournament brings each year.

Roll of Honour: All UEFA Europa League Winners

There is only one team that comes to mind when you mention the UEFA Europa League: Sevilla FC, who have dominated the recent history books. Alas, of course, there have been plenty of other winners, as we illustrate below: