Sevilla reached the Europa League final when substitute Erik Lamela scored a header five minutes into stoppage time to earn a 2-1 win over Juventus on Friday, securing a 3-2 aggregate win.
Sevilla will be bidding for a seventh Europa League title when they face AS Roma in the final in Budapest on May 31, after Jose Mourinho’s side drew 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen to secure a 1-0 aggregate win in the semifinals.
Juventus, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla in the first leg, looked set to progress to the final when substitute Dusan Vlahovic scored with a fine finish in the 65th minute.
But midfielder Suso equalized six minutes later with a stunning long-range strike to take the game into extra time.
Lamela then sealed victory after scoring with a header that sent the stadium roaring.
Sevilla rediscovered their rhythm after crashing out of the Champions League and beat PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce and Manchester United before beating Juve.
“It’s crazy, it’s incredible, it’s time to enjoy this incredible moment,” Sevilla captain Jesus Navas told Movistar Plus as quoted by ESPN.
“The fans are amazing and they deserve everything. We have shown the courage we have in us to recover after going through some tough months,” he continued.
“The courage of the fans has carried us and we are here again in another European final. This is my team since I was a kid, going into every game with passion. It’s our turn to enjoy.”
Sevilla took control of the match with a roar at the sold-out Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half, making several saves including a one-handed save to keep out Navas’ header from close range.
But as Sevilla took complete control and missed chances, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic scored the opener three minutes after coming off the bench.
He ran to defenders Nemanja Gudelj and Loic Bade, who hesitated a bit and allowed the Serbia international to head past Bono with a fine finish.
But Sevilla hit back soon after through a Suso strike that whistled into the top corner to light up the fans, who roared their side as they put relentless pressure on Juve until Lamela scored the winner in stoppage time.
Sevilla’s only weakness was left-back Marcos Acuna being sent off for extra time for wasting time after picking up a second yellow card and will miss the Budapest final.
