Sevilla 3-2 Inter Milan: Spanish outfit win Europa League for record sixth time as Romelu Lukaku’s own goal proves the difference in five-goal final thriller

Sevilla’s dominance of the Europa League has continued after they won the tournament for a record sixth time, at the expense of Inter Milan.

The Spanish outfit beat their Italian opponents 3-2 in an entertaining final in Cologne, Germany to clinch their sixth success in the competition in just 14 years.

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku went from hero to zero after scoring the opening goal to put his side in front, before later putting through his own net to give Sevilla a 3-2 lead with just 16 minutes remaining.

And Julen Lopetegui’s men didn’t look back as they held on for victory in a pulsating final that ebbed and flowed.

There was drama right from the start when Inter were awarded a penalty within the fist five minutes of the match. Lukaku was hauled down by Diego Carlos after he had raced away from following a swift break by the Italians. Carlos’ foul was deemed only worthy of a yellow card controversially.

Lukaku dusted himself down before dispatching the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal. It was 34th goal in all competitions for Inter this season in a prolific debut campaign since leaving Manchester United last summer.

However, Inter’s lead didn’t last two long as two Luuk de Jong levelled the scoreline just seven minutes later with a thumping diving header at the near post from a Jesus Navas cross.

Just after the half-hour mark De Jong was on the scoresheet again with another header – this time from a 33rd-minute Ever Banega free-kick.

Inter regrouped though and made it 2-2 just five minutes later when centre back Diego Godin headed home Marcelo Brozovic’s cross.

The scoreline remained that way at half-time and after the break the relentless nature continued.

Lukaku wasted a glorious chance to restore Inter’s lead when played through on goal. However, the Belgian was denied by the impressive Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bono after being played through by Nicolo Barella with 65 minutes gone.

Lukaku was made to rue that guilt-edge shortly afterwards as he inadvertently turned Carlos’ overhead kick – which appeared to be heading wide – into his own net.

It set up a grandstand finale as Inter sought another equaliser. And it took a crucial late goalline clearance by Sevilla defender Jules Kounde from substitute Alexis Sanchez to deny Antonio Conte’s side one.

Six minutes of injury time were awarded but Sevilla held on to spark delirious celebrations at the final whistle.