Sevilla was a bridge too far for Liverpool on their memorable Europa League journey.
Sevilla came from a goal down to win a third straight Europa League title and deny Jurgen Klopp his first trophy as Liverpool boss in the Reds’ 3-1 defeat in Basel last night.
Daniel Sturridge’s superb swerving effort on 35 minutes saw the Premier League outfit clasp one hand on the trophy, but Kevin Gameiro, within a minute of the restart, levelled up for the Primera Division side.
Coke fired the Rojiblancos ahead not long after the hour mark, before giving his side a two-goal cushion on 70 minutes as Unai Emery’s boys held on to maintain their impeccable recent record in Europe’s secondary competition.
Understandably, a number of Liverpool players were downbeat at full time, but midfielder Emre Can looked particularly inconsolable.
Meanwhile, Klopp and chief executive officer Ian Ayre – who will leave the club next summer – shared a warm embrace when the runners-up went to collect their medals.
The defeat represents the second time that Klopp’s boys have lost a Cup final this past season, having gone down to Manchester City on penalties in the Capital One Cup back in February.
But it’s still been a hugely encouraging first season for the Reds under the German and few would back against them winning a trophy next term.
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