BEVERLY HILLS, May 27, (THEWILL) – In a final that witnessed an epic penalty shoot-out of 21 shots and 20 goals, the UEFA Europa League final fixture between La Liga’s Villarreal and the English Premier League’s Manchester United brought excitement to a game that often threatened to spark into life, repeatedly petered out but confirmed one fact: there truly is an undisputed King of the Europa.
Because, in the end Villarreal, getting their very first taste of European glory from the 11-10 ratio of penalty kicks had something Man U did not: Unai Emery, the veteran of many a Europa final and most often the victor.
The Yellow Submarines, as a team, will be proud of their display especially under the pressure of penalties coming at the back of full time and extra time. Their hero, without doubt, will be none other than Geronimo Rulli, the Villarreal goalkeeper. Not only was he sharp in the game between the sticks but he scored his own penalty and denied his opposite number, De Gea, for the victory.
It was a night to relish for the Spanish side. Their win qualifies them for next season’s UEFA Champions League just as United’s four-year wait for a trophy goes on after what was an underwhelming display in Gdańsk.
United’s domination of regulation time football seemed to have fatigued them and it showed in extra time, which pushed the game to the shootouts. From there, it was anybody’s game. However, that is where the tactician in Emery stood out. He must have prepared his entire team for the eventuality of penalty kicks, including his keeper.
Throughout regular time, Villarreal appeared overwhelmed and United could have capitalised and ended the match as a contest while the Spanish side flailed. Part of the reason they could not was the in-built technical skill, the bravery and the sheer know-how of their record breaking coach, which translated into the Villarreal game and got them through the test of fire.
And with that, there is a first European trophy for the Yellow Submarines and a fourth for Emery with a penalty shootout that will be remembered for a long time to come. United however will return home wishing the results were in their favour.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
