The 2023 UEFA Europa League final takes place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Wednesday, with Spanish side Sevilla doing battle with Italian club Roma.
Sevilla are searching for their fifth Europa League crown in 10 years, having triumphed in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020 to take their tally of titles to six.
As for Roma, they have never won the Europa League, although Jose Mourinho’s side claimed the inaugural Europa Conference League title last term.
Sevilla started this season’s European campaign in the Champions League, but the Spanish outfit managed to win just one of their six group games and dropped into the Europa League.
After dispatching PSV Eindhoven in the knockout round play-offs, Sevilla dispatched Fenerbahce, Manchester United and Juventus to book their place in the final.
Sevilla head into Wednesday’s showdown on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, although the Andalusians have enjoyed plenty of success since Jose Luis Mendilibar took over in March.
Having lost just two of their previous 15 games in all competitions – picking up eight wins along the way – Sevilla will be confident of securing the silverware in Budapest.
On the flip side, Roma finished second in their Europa League group earlier in the campaign before overcoming Red Bull Salzburg in the knockout round play-offs.
Mourinho’s side then got the better of Real Sociedad, Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen to punch their ticket to the final.
It is worth noting, however, that Roma have only managed to win one of their last nine matches across all competitions, recording five draws and three defeats in the process.
That said, Mourinho’s men have won six of their previous 10 Europa League outings, so they will back themselves to rise to the occasion on Wednesday.
Head-to-head: Sevilla and Roma’s last competitive meeting came during the 2019-20 Europa League campaign, with the Spanish side claiming a 2-0 victory en route to the title.
The teams have also played three friendlies since 2015, picking up one win apiece while drawing the most recent meeting in 2021.
Team news: Sevilla will be without the suspended Marcos Acuna on Wednesday, while Fernando is a doubt for the final due to injury.
Roma have Paulo Dybala, Rick Karsdorp and Marash Kumbulla sidelined through injury, while Nemanja Matic, Rui Patricio, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leonardo Spinazzola are all doubts.
Given the high-profile nature of this clash, Sevilla and Roma are both expected to approach the final with caution, serving up a tense and cagey affair.
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