Mancini own goal leaves Euro battle on a knife-edge

JOSE MOURINHO does not lose European finals. The problem is, nor do Sevilla. Between them, the Roma manager and his Spanish opponents had tasted only victory across a combined 11 nights like this. So, naturally, they could not be separated over 90 minutes of the Europa League final in Budapest.

Roma, chasing a second successive European triumph after last year’s Europa Conference League win, were on course for victory after Paulo Dybala’s first-half goal. But no one rises to Europa League occasions quite like Sevilla, who have won the trophy six times — more than anyone else. And Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side sent the tie into extratime courtesy of an own goal from Gianluca Mancini. Sevilla thought they had a late penalty to win it after English referee Anthony Taylor decided Lucas Ocampos had been fouled inside the area by Roger Ibanez. But after a second glance, on the pitchside monitor, the official changed his mind — and rightly so.

The breakthrough, which brought a simmering final to the boil, came 10 minutes before half-time.

Mourinho had gambled on the fitness of Dybala, who has been nursing an ankle problem, and the manager’s faith was repaid with a smart finish. Sevilla had demanded a foul on Ivan Rakitic in the build up. The veteran midfielder was inches away from making amends, shortly before half-time, but Rakitic’s low, long-range shot struck the post. The equaliser did arrive 10 minutes after the break. Jesus Navas’ devilish cross was turned into his own net by Mancini. It was fully deserved after Mendilibar made two half-time changes. Sevilla reemerged with added ambition and cutting edge. Their goal set up a tense final 35 minutes, but neither side could force a winner.