The grand stage is set in Budapest for a tantalising UEFA Europa League final as Sevilla, the undisputed kings of this competition, take on AS Roma, led by the wily José Mourinho. On May 31, 2023, the Puskás Aréna will play host to a clash of contrasting styles: Sevilla’s Europa pedigree against Roma’s defensive discipline and tactical nous. It promises drama, tension, and perhaps a few late twists.

Route to the Final

Sevilla began their European journey in the Champions League, finishing third in their group before dropping into the Europa League knockout rounds. From there, they reminded everyone why this tournament might as well be renamed the Sevilla League. After seeing off PSV Eindhoven, they produced a stunning turnaround to eliminate Manchester United in the quarter-finals, before dispatching Juventus in a classic semi-final. It was vintage Sevilla: relentless, fearless, and seemingly immune to pressure.

Roma, on the other hand, have taken the scenic route. Mourinho’s men battled through a tricky Europa League group and survived a tense knockout campaign. They edged past Real Sociedad, held their nerve against Feyenoord in a dramatic extra-time win, and then frustrated Bayer Leverkusen over two legs with a trademark defensive masterclass. For Mourinho, this is another shot at European glory after winning the inaugural Europa Conference League just a year earlier.

Team News

Sevilla head into the final with a few injury concerns. Marcos Acuña is suspended after a late red card against Juventus, a blow for their balance on the left. However, talismanic midfielder Ivan Rakitić and defender Nemanja Gudelj are fit and ready to anchor the spine of José Luis Mendilibar’s side.

Roma are sweating on the fitness of Paulo Dybala, who has been nursing an ankle problem and is likely to feature only as an impact substitute. Chris Smalling, crucial to Roma’s back three, has returned to training and should start, while captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected to pull the strings in midfield. Mourinho, of course, will keep his cards close to his chest until the very last moment.

Recent Form

Sevilla have been resurgent since Mendilibar’s appointment in March. From flirting with relegation in La Liga, they’ve turned into a formidable unit, winning key games and thriving on the European stage. Their semi-final victory over Juventus was a statement of intent and proof of their big-game mentality.

Roma’s domestic form has been patchier. Serie A injuries and fixture congestion have taken their toll, but Mourinho has shown he knows how to prioritise. The Giallorossi have been laser-focused on Europe, happy to grind out results even when performances aren’t spectacular. They’ve conceded just once in their last four Europa League knockout matches, a testament to Mourinho’s trademark defensive steel.

Players to Watch

• Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla): The Moroccan striker has found his scoring boots at the perfect time, netting crucial goals against Manchester United and Juventus. His aerial threat will keep Roma’s back line on high alert.
• Ivan Rakitić (Sevilla): The veteran midfielder remains the heartbeat of Sevilla’s game, dictating tempo and providing leadership on the biggest stage.
• Paulo Dybala (Roma): Even at less than full fitness, the Argentine’s creativity and eye for goal make him Roma’s X-factor. A cameo could change the game.
• Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma): Roma’s captain is the link between defence and attack, with set-piece quality that could prove decisive in a cagey final.
• Chris Smalling (Roma): The English defender has been immense all season and will need another commanding performance to keep Sevilla at bay.

Prediction

This final feels like a classic clash of mentalities. Sevilla thrive in this competition, six finals, six trophies, and their comeback story this season carries a sense of destiny. Roma, though, have Mourinho, a man who has never lost a European final and relishes the underdog tag.

Expect a tense, tactical battle, with Sevilla probing and Roma soaking up pressure. Extra time wouldn’t be a surprise, and penalties could loom large. If forced to pick, Sevilla’s Europa League magic might just edge Mourinho’s pragmatism.

Prediction: Sevilla 2-1 Roma (After extra-time)