UK: Sevilla retain UEFA Cup after Palop heroics against 10-man Espanyol

Sevilla win the UEFA Cup final 3-1 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in extra time with 10-man Espanyol in a pulsating all-Spanish final played in driving rain at Hampden Park in Scotland. Goalkeeper Andres Palop emerged as Sevilla's hero by saving three penalties in a shoot-out to give his side victory over 10-man Espanyol in a thrilling all-Spanish UEFA Cup final at Hampden Park, Glasgow on Wednesday (May 16). The Andalucians became only the second side to retain the trophy after a pulsating game, played in driving rain, ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, condemning Espanyol to more European final heartbreak -- 19 years after they lost the 1988 final on penalties to Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking at a post-match news conference, Sevilla coach Juande Ramos paid tribute to opponents Espanyol, but felt his team had been the better side throughout the game and used their greater experience to maximum effect. "...We had good chances to score. We were not able to close the match in regular time. We had Espanyol catching up on the score and it went on and on. Finally, the penalties were important, but if you look at the match overall, Sevilla was superior. We were closer to a third goal but Espanyol were an extremely tough opponent. They were down one man, only 10 players and still they were tough and it was difficult to play that team." Sevilla, emulating Real Madrid who achieved successive UEFA Cup triumphs in 1985 and 1986, remain on course for a treble. They play Getafe in the King's Cup final and are still in contention for the Primera Liga title. "Well, we are at ease. The season has already been successful thanks to this victory. Of course we are in high spirits and we can tackle the league and the King's Cup. We will see whether we will be able to get a second title and it will really be smooth sailing from now on if everything goes right," said Ramos. Goalkeeper Palop, whose headed goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16 had kept the holders in the competition, saved spot kicks from Luis Garcia, Jonatas and Marc Torrejon to give Sevilla victory 3-1 on penalties. His vital role in the victory earned him man of the match. "Well indeed I am very happy and it is good in front of all these fans to get the title and personally I am happy. We thought that they were catching up with us. They drew, but penalties are always complicated and we have done a great job I believe and it helped the team. Getting a second goal against you is not that good. And of course it is important that I help the team whenever I can," said Palop. Espanyol's hearts were left broken after they lost their second UEFA Cup final on penalties, but coach Ernesto Valverde said his team could hold their heads high. "Well let me say it was a really cruel final losing again at the penalty shoot-out. We walk away proudly. We have lost one match. We won 11, we drew four. And there was a moment that I thought we were going to win before the sending off of our player. We had so many good chances, we were decisive on the pitch. And we had to take Tamudo out and put the other player in. And finally we drew. Too bad we didn't win the penalty shoot-out," said Valverde.

ITN Source | May 18, 2007

Tags:. .difficult. .became. .regular. .paid. .emerged