Fans can expect a thrilling UEFA Europa League 2023 final as Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma and an impressive Sevilla team face off at the Puskas Arena on Wednesday.
Sevilla, currently positioned 11th in the La Liga standings, have shown improvement after a slow start to their season. Although they suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in their recent match, they will need to put in considerable effort to recover in this upcoming encounter.
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On the other hand, AS Roma currently occupies sixth place in the Serie A table and has performed admirably this season. However, they experienced a damaging 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina in their previous game, which gives them added motivation to prove themselves this week.
Sevilla vs Roma match preview
The UEFA Europa League 2023 final on Wednesday at the Puskas Arena promises an exciting clash as six-time champions Sevilla face off against Roma, led by Jose Mourinho, who boasts an unbeaten record in five continental finals.
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Both teams arrive in Budapest after struggling in their respective domestic leagues but excelling in Europe’s second-tier competition. Sevilla enter the match after a victory over Juventus in the semifinals, which secured their seventh appearance in the Europa League final.
In each of the previous finals, Los Rojiblancos emerged as champions. Their first win was in 2006, with current skipper Jesus Navas playing a major part at the age of 20. They defeated Middlesbrough in the process.
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Sevilla eliminated both Manchester United and Juventus, while securing their 25th win in their last 28 Europa League matches at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in the semifinals. However, they now have to prove themselves on neutral ground against a resilient opponent in the UEFA Europa League 2023 final.
Like Roma, the Andalusian club has had a tough domestic campaign. They approach the final under their third coach of the season, Jose Luis Mendilibar. With his stabilising influence, Sevilla managed to avoid relegation from La Liga. Their fortunes have noticeably improved since his appointment.
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While they may fall short of securing a top-half finish in Spain, Sevilla has only suffered two losses during Mendilibar’s tenure. The most recent was against Real Madrid on the penultimate matchday of the Primera Division. They are one win away from claiming their seventh continental title.
Interestingly, Sevilla and Roma met previously in the Europa League’s round of 16 in 2020. The Spanish side advanced and ultimately lifted the trophy for the sixth time.
While Mendilibar, participating in his first European final, hopes for Sevilla’s lucky number seven, his counterpart Jose Mourinho has already amassed five major UEFA trophies. If Roma emerge victorious this week, Mourinho will become the most decorated manager in the history of European competition, surpassing Italian Giovanni Trapattoni.
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After AS Roma won the Europa Conference League last year, Mourinho became the first coach to win the Europa League with three clubs. His previous successes were with Porto (2003) and Manchester United (2017).
Roma has previously reached only one UEFA Cup final, losing to Inter in 1991. Wednesday’s final will mark their fifth European final overall, with their most recent triumph occurring last year when Mourinho’s team defeated Feyenoord in Tirana.
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Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Telles; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Torres, Gil; En-Nesyri
Roma possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Abraham
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Sevilla vs Roma prediction
Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, AS Roma have made significant progress. They will be determined to secure a trophy this season. Mourinho boasts an undefeated record in European finals and aims to maintain that streak.
Sevilla have established themselves as a formidable presence in the UEFA Europa League and defied expectations by reaching the final this season. With their vast experience in the competition, the Andalusian side are favourites heading into the UEFA Europa League 2023 final.
Prediction: Sevilla 2-1 AS Roma
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Date, kick-off time, venue
Sevilla will go head to head with Roma at the Puskas Arena stadium in Budapest city, Hungary, at 19:00 UTC, on May 31.
