UEFA Europa League: How Mourinho’s undefeated streak in European finals came to a cruel end after an extensive chess match – tactical analysis

Sevilla beat Roma on Wednesday night to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy for the seventh time.

Roma took the lead in the first half through Paulo Dybala before Sevilla equalised after halftime courtesy of a Gianluca Mancini own goal. With the scores level at the end of the initial 90 minutes, the sides played out an additional 30 minutes of extra time. With no further goals scored, a penalty shootout followed. Sevilla won 4-1 with substitute Gonzalo Montiel scoring the decisive spot-kick.

This tactical analysis article will provide an analysis of the tactics that each side built their game plan upon.

Lineups

Sevilla lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was behind a back four of Jesús Navas, Loïc Badé, Nemanja Gudelj, and on-loan Manchester United player Alex Telles. Ahead of them were midfielders Fernando and Ivan Rakitić. Óliver Torres played as the attacking midfielder. Lucas Ocampos was on the right with Bryan Gil on the left. Youssef En-Nesyri was the lone striker.

Roma went with a 3-5-2 formation, with Rui Patrício in goal. Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, and Ibañez were the centre backs. Zeki Çelik was at right wing-back and Leonardo Spinazzola was at left wing-back. The midfielders were Bryan Cristante, Nemanja Matić, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham started up front.