On a night when the stands looked strangely quiet, and the atmosphere appeared bruised and surly, Antonio Conte was upbeat about his chances of winning a trophy for the Milan giants after more than 9 years of waiting. However, there was never going to be a shortage of drama in an action-packed game that saw a total of five goals scored the night. Romelu Lukaku was fouled in the fifth minute inside the box by Sevilla defender Diego Carlos. The former Manchester United hitman stepped forward to calmly convert the spot-kick for Inter’s opener. However, the game would take a turn around when Lukaku deflected Carlos’ bicycle kick into his own net for Sevilla’s third and match-winner.
An end to end affair- Lukaku and De Jong starred
It was a dream start for Lukaku. He gave his side an early lead in the fifth minute, taking his season tally to 34 goals. It was also his 11th consecutive goal in the Europa League game. Lukaku was brilliant for his side, but Luuk de Jong was exceptional.
The Dutch international was at the right place, heading in Jesus Navas and Ever Banega’s crosses to put Sevilla in the lead. It was a high tempo game, with both sides displaying pulsating counter-attack football the whole evening. And when the game looked like it was all headed for extra time, a comical error by Lukaku changed everything.
A dominant Sevilla side
Carlos anticipated a high ball, near the box, and went into the air just at the right time. The resultant kick was going wide until Lukaku stretched out his leg and diverted the strike into his own net.
Carlos looked like he was going to be the villain of the game after bringing Lukaku outside the box. However, his deflected shot, in the dying minutes of the game ensured his side hasn’t lost in UEFA Cup or Europa League in six finals.
Bayern tactically better than star studded PSG
For the first time in as many years, no English or Spanish team was gracing the UEFA champions’ league final. It was a final pitting the Bundesliga champions against Ligue 1 giants. Bayern Munich was coming into the final, having won all their games in the competition.
The first half was rather scrappy, with both teams unable to find the calmness in front of goal. With the first-half ending in a 0-0 stalemate, PSG had the opportunity to turn things around and grab their maiden Champions.
However, it was Bayern Munich who showed more intent and urgency in the second half. Kingsley Coman, a former PSG, player, settled the tense affair in the 59th minute when he connected to a Joshua Kimmich header.
The PSG attacking duo didn’t show up
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, two of the world’s lethal striking force, lacked the cutting edge, and spark to inspire the French team to a maiden European trophy. The duo was excellent in the first half but was put off by man of the match, Manuel Neuer.
However, taking away nothing from PSG, Manuel Neuer’s imposing figure is what stood between them and the trophy. And Mbappe’s miss at the closing minutes of the first half proving to be costly for the Tomas Tuchel led side.
While Tuchel will embark on building another formidable side for next season, Bayern will throw champagne and party the whole week. After all, they become the first team to lift the trophy by winning every champions league game in a single campaign.
