In the only match that mattered at the end of a turbulent season, Liverpool fell hard in Basel. The Reds unraveled in the Europa League final falling to Sevilla, 1-3, with the Spanish side securing the cup for the third consecutive time.
This was a match that illustrated the squad’s fortunes this season, yo-yoing from sublime to shambolic with little in between. Liverpool were noticeably nervy at the start, then settled and got on top but could not turn the screw, and eventually stumbled and could not recover.
Headed into the tunnel with a slim 1-0 lead, Liverpool failed to put things out of reach. Even with multiple calls having not gone in their favour, they still had chances they could not take.
Within seconds of the second half they found themselves level with the defending champions and suddenly in free-fall. The entire match turned once Sevilla scored. The nerves returned and the Spanish side’s confidence began to surge.
Sevilla had a plan, got some luck, and made it count. Yet make no mistake, the La Liga outfit is a good side, good enough to finish fourth behind the Champions League finalists and league winner. Plus, their two previous wins were not flukes.
For Liverpool, this is an old manager’s side that failed to win anything but found their way to two finals under the direction of a new manager. As gutting as this loss is, it still suggests that there may be a foundation upon which to build a better squad.
Here are four findings from the match.
Comments.
Loading comments…