Sevilla shoot out Espanyol

Glasgow, May 17:

Sevilla drew on their raucous support and an inspired goalkeeper to beat Espanyol and become the first team in more than 20 years to retain the UEFA Cup.

Sevilla drew 2-2 with Espanyol through extra time before Andres Palop added to an already impressive performance by saving three penalty kicks in a 3-1 shootout win. Sevilla are in contention for an unprecedented treble in Spain, with the chance of adding the league and Copa del Rey titles. Sevilla withstood heavy pressure from their opponents and twice recovered from losing the lead to match Real Madrid’s 1986 feat of retaining the trophy.

Although Espanyol never lost a tournament game in regular time, it was Sevilla’s players who, with the experience of last season’s win, kept their nerve in the shootout to send the fans wild.

Sevilla took their first lead when Adriano Correira scored in the 18th minute. Albert Riera made it 1-1 in the 28th, and Espanyol created several chances after that but failed to convert.

Sevilla came close to winning in extra time when Frederic Kanoute scored to make it 2-1, but substitute Jonatas hit a swerving shot with five of the 30 extra minutes left.

Kanoute, Ivica Dragutinovic and Antonio Puerta scored for Sevilla, while only Walter Pandiani scored for Espanyol. Palop saved penalties from Luis Garcia, Jonatas and Marc Torrejon.