Sevilla and Benfica Set for Europa League Final Showdown
Turin — The stage is set for a thrilling Europa League final as Spanish club Sevilla FC faces Portuguese side Benfica Lisbon on Wednesday, May 14th, at 6:45 p.m. GMT at the Juventus Stadium. After being unlucky finalists last year, Benfica will be eager to lift the prestigious trophy, but standing in their way is a Sevilla team brimming with confidence following a series of strong performances in La Liga.
Benfica, who have been in superb form for several months, will look to put their disappointment from last year’s final behind them. However, they will need to be at their best as they face a Sevilla side that has looked formidable in recent weeks.
Sevilla’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. After securing a commanding 2-0 first-leg victory over Valencia, they sealed their spot in the final with a thrilling 3-1 win in the return leg, thanks to a last-minute goal from Stéphane M’bia. The two-time Europa League champions (2006 and 2007) will be buoyed by their remarkable comeback, with the Indomitable Lion, M’bia, playing a key role in their progress.
Sevilla’s coach, Unai Emery, will once again count on the influence and leadership of M’bia, the hero of the semi-final against Valencia. The Cameroonian international has been pivotal in their success this season, and his determination will be crucial as Sevilla chase a third Europa League title.
The Sevilla squad for the final is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Beto, Javi Varas, Sergio Rico
Defenders: Fazio, Fernando Navarro, Diogo, Carriço, Alberto Moreno
Midfielders: Marko Marin, Cristóforo, Rakitic, Iborra, Trochowski, Cheryshev, Jairo, Vitolo
Forwards: Bacca, Cotán, Gameiro, Reyes, Nico Pareja, Mbia, Coke, Cicinho, Carlos Fernández
With both teams showing strong form this season, the final promises to be an exciting encounter as they battle for the coveted Europa League title.
