The famous press, the high energy, the heavy metal, it was all so much jazz. Liverpool succumbed to their heaviest defeat in a European final, beaten by a team that are masters on this stage, Sevilla – Europa League champions for a third year in succession.
There was controversy about the third goal, perhaps, but not the third trophy. The best team won here, Sevilla sweeping Liverpool aside with three second-half goals, leaving Jurgen Klopp to contemplate another final defeat in a fog of impotent fury.
He has never won a final, whether in Germany, England and Europe, but when Liverpool took the lead here it looked as if that dire run may be broken. No such luck. Sevilla were magnificent in the second 45 minutes and could have won by more. They equalised within 20 seconds of the half beginning and never looked bachk, aided by some weak Liverpool defending, not least from Alberto Moreno, against his old Spanish club.
Moreno was sloppy for the first and Sevilla got too much change down his flank. Ultimately, the momentum rode over Liverpool, the way they have ridden over opponents in Europe this season. The second goal was quite magnificent, brilliant work from Vitolo in midfield playing two one-twos – the second with Ever Banega – before captain Coke swept in to finish, running off Nathaniel Clyne.
He scored the clincher, too – they were his first goals in European competition – fortuitously collecting a rebound off a Liverpool boot in what looked to be an offside position. Coke converted, a flag went up, but was overruled by referee Jonas Eriksson. Substitute Martin Skrtel led the touchline protests, soon joined by Klopp, but after another round of consultation the decision stood. This time there was no drama, no comeback, no miracle to behold.
Liverpool have punched above their weight in Europe this season, but had moved up a belt too far with Sevilla. Anyone who saw Amir Khan’s fight recently will know what they walked onto here.
