The 2014 Europa League final between Sevilla and Benfica took place in Turin this evening.
Sevilla had the better moments in an end-to-end first period, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Chances continued to arrive in the second 45 minutes, but somehow it remained goalless as the final headed for extra-time - where the pair could still not be separated.
Ultimately it came down to a shootout and it was Sevilla that secured the trophy 4-2 on penalties.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole's Europa League coverage for the 2013-14 season concludes this evening as Sevilla face Benfica in the final. The showpiece event in Turin will not kick off until 7.45pm, but be sure to remain with me as I build up to the action. Benfica, according to the bookmakers at least, are the favourites, but Sevilla will be confident of claiming the crown. Let's hope for a cracking affair.
Remarkably, the two sides have met just twice in UEFA Competition. Both of those fixtures took place in the preliminary stages of the 1957-58 European Champion Clubs' Cup. Sevilla won the first leg 3-1 at home, before progressing with a goalless draw in Lisbon. Since then, the Iberian rivals have not crossed paths, but Benfica are certainly the more experienced outfit at this level of competition.
Spanish outfit Sevilla have lifted the trophy twice in recent history – 2006 and 2007 – while Benfica also have two titles to their name. You have to go back until 1962, however, for the last time that the Portuguese side claimed a European title. Since then, they have come up short in finals in 1963, 1965, 1968, 1988, 1990, while they were also beaten in their first UEFA Cup final in 1983.
Benfica did make the final of the competition last season, but they were defeated by Premier League side Chelsea. It appeared that particular contest was heading for extra-time due to a 1-1 draw, but Branislav Ivanovic netted late on to ensure more heartbreak for Benfica. They have returned this season, however, and will be keen to end an incredible seven-game run of defeats in finals.
However, Benfica have not beat Spanish opposition in their last 14 matches – a run that stretches 32 years. The last time they overcame a Spanish side was in September 1982, when they beat Real Betis 2-1. In total, they have faced teams from La Liga on 22 occasions, winning just five times and suffering 10 defeats.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have played 16 official UEFA matches against Portuguese sides, including four meetings this season. In total, their record is won eight, drawn three and lost five. They beat and then drew with Estoril Praia in the group stages this season, before eliminating Porto following a 4-1 win in Spain.
Interestingly, this is the first time that Sevilla have ever played in Turin. However, that is not the case for Benfica, who have made the trip three times, beating Juventus 1-0 in the 1967-68 European semi-finals, before losing 3-0 to the same opposition in the 1992-93 UEFA Cup. Benfica also met Juventus in Turin in the semi-finals this season, where they picked up a goalless draw to advance into the final.
Benfica entered the Europa League this season after departing the Champions League in the group stages, but Sevilla have been in the competition since the onset, meaning that tonight's match is their 19th game of the campaign. They opened the tournament with a two-legged win over Mladost Podgorica in the third qualifying round, before beating Slask in the playoffs to book their spot in the group stages.
After progressing from the playoffs, Sevilla were drawn into Group H alongside Estoril, Freiburg and Liberec and topped the section with 12 points having won three and drawn three of their six matches. They opened with a 2-1 win over Estoril in Portugal, before beating Freiburg in Seville. A 1-1 draw away to Liberec then followed, with the Spanish side topping the group after three games.
Another 1-1 draw against Liberec, this time in Seville, followed, before they drew with Estoril and beat Freiburg in their final match to top the group. As a result, they were drawn against Slovenian side Maribor in the round of 32. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw in Slovenia, before Sevilla won the return leg 2-1.
City rivals Real Betis were their opponents in the round of 16 and they eventually progressed on penalties after the two teams could not be separated in normal time. They then lost the first leg of their quarter-final 1-0 in Porto, but progressed with a remarkable 4-1 win on their own patch. That result set up a semi-final two-legged clash with La Liga rivals Valencia, which was enthralling to say the least.
A 2-0 win against Valencia in the first leg handed Sevilla a strong chance of making the final, but as it transpired, they needed a last-minute Stephane Mbia header to advance on away goals at the Mestalla. They certainly had to ride their luck in that particular match, but showed huge character to advance.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: As expected, Kevin Gameiro misses out on a spot in the Sevilla XI through injury, but the Frenchman is on the bench. As a result, Carlos Bacca leads the attack for the Spanish side. Vitolo is fit despite a slight knock, however, while Jose Antonio Reyes also starts. Benfica, meanwhile, are without suspended trio Enzo Perez, Eduardo Salvio and Lazar Markovic. Oscar Cardozo starts on the bench, but there are spots in the XI for Gaitan, Sulejmani and Andre Gomes. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Pareja, Fazio, Alberto; Carrico, Mbia; Reyes, Rakitic, Vitolo; Bacca
BENFICA: Oblak; Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Siqueira; Amorim, Gomes, Gaitan; Sulejmani, Lima, Rodrigo
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Sevilla XI this evening. As mentioned, Bacca leads the line in place of Gameiro, who is only fit enough for a place on the bench. On-loan Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin is also on the bench for the Spanish outfit. Benfica, meanwhile, have experienced striker Cardozo in reserve. Brazilian Lima starts in attack, while the back five is as expected. Little under an hour until kickoff...
As mentioned, Benfica joined the Europa League at a later stage after exiting the group stages of the Champions League. They were drawn against PAOK in the round of 32, but made light work of the Greek outfit as they advanced with an aggregate score of 4-0. Tottenham Hotspur followed in the round of 16 and they were 5-3 winners over the Premier League outfit, including a 3-1 win at White Hart Lane.
Dutch side AZ Alkmaar were Benfica's opponents in the quarter-finals. The Portuguese outfit kept a clean sheet in each leg and scored three times in the process to book a spot in the semi-finals against the much-fancied Juventus. Benfica took charge of the tie with a 2-1 win in the first leg and made sure of their spot in the final with a credible goalless draw in Turin.
Benfica, meanwhile, are the first side to reach the final of the Europa League without losing a game. Since transferring from the group stages of the Champions League, they have won six and drawn just two of their eight matches. Just twice before have teams eliminated from the Champions League gone on to win the Europa League in the same season – Atletico Madrid in 2009-10 campaign and Chelsea last season.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are on a quest to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League for the third time in their history. Only three other teams have reached that mark - with Juventus, Inter Milan and Liverpool all picking up three trophies in this particular competition. It would be a tremendous achievement if Unai Emery could lead his side to a European title this season.
Sevilla struggled in the early part of their league campaign, but have really impressed since the turn of the year. As it stands, they are fifth in La Liga having taken 60 points from their 37 matches. They still had a chance of making the top four a couple of weeks ago, but defeat at Athletic Bilbao, who will finish fourth, ended their chances of securing Champions League football via the league.
In terms of recent form, it has not been the best period of the season for Sevilla. They have lost three of their last four in all competitions, failing to win in the process. Since beating Valencia in the first leg of their semi-final, they have lost to Athletic Bilbao and Getafe in La Liga, drawn with Villarreal and lost the second leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Mestalla.
It was not a strong Copa del Rey campaign for Sevilla this season, meanwhile, with the Spanish outfit exiting the competition in the early stages to Racing Santander. The club's supporters have had a frustrating few years, but a top-five finish in La Liga and a Europa League title would certainly appease the fans.
Benfica, meanwhile, are chasing a quadruple this season. The Portuguese outfit secured their league title back on April 20 and finished the campaign on 74 points, seven clear of nearest challengers Sporting Lisbon and 13 clear of third-place Porto. They won 23 of their 30 matches, losing just twice in what was an incredible campaign. That said, they enter the match off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Porto at the weekend.
Benfica have also already secured the League Cup this season after beating Rio Ave on May 7 and will face the same opponents in the final of the Portuguese Cup on May 18. As a result of their success, they will play 57 competitive matches before ending the campaign, which is their highest ever total.
In terms of players in form, Sevilla's Gameiro, who is on the bench this evening, has struck five times in the competition this season and 21 times in total in what is his first campaign in Spanish football. Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca have also been key for the Spanish side this season, with both attracting a host of outside interest. Rakitic has netted 15 times, while Bacca has 19 strikes in all competitions.
Prior to the match, in an interview with UEFA.com, Gameiro said: "We'll give everything from the first minute to the last. We will enjoy the moment and try to win the final, because we will not be going to Turin just to watch Benfica play. We know that it's very important for our club: they've won it twice before and we will try to win the third one. Benfica will give everything, just like us. They won't give up. Last year they reached the final and lost. It will be revenge for them to try and win."
Benfica's leading scorer in the Europa League this season, meanwhile, is Lima, with the forward netting four times and once in the Champions League. The Portuguese outfit's veteran striker Cardozo, meanwhile, has scored 33 times in 75 games in this competition. The 30-year-old, who starts on the bench this evening, has netted just 11 times this season, but remains a key player for the club.
Jorge Jesus is just the second Benfica boss to lead the club to European finals in successive seasons. The experienced manager has been with the Portuguese outfit since 2009 and has won two league titles and four League Cups during a fruitful career. Jesus was caught up in a spat with Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood earlier this season, meanwhile, when he appeared to signal the score during the last-16 clash between the pair...
"I think neither side will go into the final as favourites - we both have a 50/50 chance of winning," Jesus told UEFA.com. "You have to be really good to reach a final, and I have a great deal of respect for this Sevilla side who will compete in the final with us. They have every right to win this competition."
Neither side will particularly want this match to be decided by penalties, but with that possibility in mind, let's take a look at each team's record from the spot. Sevilla have won three of their four penalty shootouts in UEFA Competition, the last of which came against Betis this season. The last time they lost from the spot in Europe was against Fenerbahce in the 2007-08 Champions League round of 16.
Benfica, meanwhile, have been involved in just two UEFA penalty shootouts. They beat Greek side PAOK using that method in the second round of the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup, but lost to PSV Eindhoven in the final of the 1987-88 European Champion Clubs' Cup final. Right, little over five minutes until kickoff in Turin...
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Felix Brych will referee the match this evening. The German, who has been listed as an international referee since 2007, officiated the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid earlier in the season. Just about time for my prediction...
PREDICTION: Losing Gameiro is a big blow for Sevilla this evening, but in Bacca they have a striker that has been excellent this season. Benfica are also without a number of key players, but have more than enough quality in their XI to worry their Iberian rivals. I am predicting and indeed hoping for an open affair, but I think that Benfica will have a little bit too much. My prediction is 2-1 Benfica.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Right, Sevilla get the 2014 Europa League final underway in Turin.
It has been a strong start from Sevilla, with the likes of Mbia and Carrico enjoying possession in the middle of the park. Beto looks long towards Moreno moments later, but Benfica have a free kick when Vitolo fells Pereira. You just get the feeling that neither side can afford to concede an early goal this evening.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a couple of late challenges. Carrico fells Gaitan in the middle of the park, but the referee does not issue an early card. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure as both sides exchange possession of the ball. The noise inside the stadium is just deafening from both sets of supporters.
Half-chance for Benfica as Lima threatens to meet a loose ball inside the Sevilla box, but Beto is across to clear the danger. The resulting throw-in is delivered towards Luisao, but Fazio rises to clear before Sevilla gain a free kick. Strong pressure from the Portuguese outfit, but Sevilla manage to force the danger clear.
Half-chance for Sevilla this time as Rakitic delivers a free kick towards Vitolo, but the Spaniard cannot collect inside the Benfica box. The pressure continues as Bacca finds some space inside the Benfica area, but the Colombian cannot produce an effort on goal. A corner follows, but Benfica smuggle the danger clear.
Possession football from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes, with Benfica just dropping 10 yards. A number of late challenges continue to occur, but the referee has not produced a card thus far. Benfica enjoy a period of the ball moments later, but their attack breaks down in the final third when Fazio challenges Lima.
It is brilliant football from Sevilla as Rakitic drives into the Benfica half before finding Reyes, who delivers a low cross into Bacca, but the striker had just moved into an offside position. Brilliant counter-attacking football from the Spanish outfit, who have looked dangerous in the opening 11 minutes.
BOOKING! Sevilla defender Fazio enters the book following a late challenge on Sulejmani.
BOOKING! Another booking for Sevilla as Moreno dives into a late challenge with Sulejmani.
Well, Sulejmani has been in the wars in the last couple of moments and the winger has been left on the ground. Benfica do, however, have a free kick in a wide position and their two centre-backs are forward...
... the resulting free kick is delivered by Gaitan and eventually falls for Garay, but Sevilla manage to clear at the vital moment. Benfica press from the resulting corner, before Amorim fires over the crossbar.
Sevilla are just struggling to keep the ball at the moment, with Benfica the team in control of the possession. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. Wonderful noise inside the stadium and a couple of half-chances, but still no goals.
Again it is bright work from Rakitic as the Croatian drives past three defenders before delivering a cross towards the far post, but Benfica manage to clear the danger. The Portuguese side break with Gaitan moments later, but Rodrigo is challenged by Fazio. Sulejmani, meanwhile, is seriously struggling for Benfica.
Rakitic again threatens for Sevilla after delivering a dangerous cross into the Benfica box, but Bacca cannot make contact under pressure from Garay. Benfica break down the other end with Rodrigo, but Mbia is across to fell the youngster. Still no real clear opportunities, but plenty of attacking intent from both teams.
Garay continues to impress at the heart of the Benfica defence as the Argentine comes across to challenge Reyes, who had found some space inside the box. Rodrigo threatens for Benfica moments later after driving down the left, but his cross is straight into the arms of Beto, with the score still goalless in Turin.
SUB! Benfica are forced into an early change here as Sulejmani is replaced by Andre. The winger took a knock to the shoulder in an earlier challenge with Moreno and has been forced off the field.
The untidy period of the match continues as Andre clashes with Moreno down the right. The referee has issued a couple of cards thus far, but I suspect the card count will continue to rise. Mbia looks for the run of Vitolo down the Benfica right moments later, but eventually Rakitic has an effort blocked outside the box.
Rakitic continues to impress in the middle of the pitch as the Croatian rides two challenges before attempting to catch Oblak off his line, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the post.
BOOKING! Benfica defender Siqueira is booked following a late challenge on Mbia.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Rakitic finds some space on the edge of the box before sliding a low pass towards Bacca, but the Benfica stopper is out to claim at the vital moment. Still goalless, but plenty happening.
Bacca and Rakitic remain the main threat for Sevilla as the pair combine just outside the Benfica box, but Garay manages to clear at the vital moment. It is a good period of the match for the Spanish outfit, who are in control. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. It has just flown past in Turin.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Benfica retain possession just inside the Sevilla half. Neither side has really had a clear opportunity thus far, but Sevilla have looked the more likely. The referee, meanwhile, continues to be called into action due to a number of fouls.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Moreno finds himself inside the Benfica box following a smart pass from Vitolo, but his effort is straight into the arms of Oblak. Benfica just cannot seem to keep the ball at the moment as the pressure continues. Benfica's passing has been wayward in the opening 39 minutes tonight.
CHANCES! Opportunity for Sevilla as Bacca meets a cross inside a crowded Benfica box, but the Colombian just loses his footing at the final moment and his final effort is blocked by Garay. Benfica break moments later with Rodrigo, but Pareja is across to clear, before Luisao heads over the crossbar.
Siqueira just needs to be a little bit careful as the Benfica defender, who has already been booked, fells Pareja inside the Sevilla box. The Portuguese outfit have just started to exert some pressure in the last few minutes, but clear chances remain at a premium. This opening half of football has flown past tonight.
Half-chance for Benfica as Rodrigo spins outside the Sevilla box before finding Pereira, who delivers a low cross into the box, but Lima cannot make contact and Fazio is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
CHANCES! The best chance of the half falls to Benfica as Pereira arrives inside the Sevilla box, but his effort is straight at Beto. Moments later, Beto denies Rodrigo from just inside the area.
PENALTY SHOUT! Benfica want a penalty as Gaitan drives into the Sevilla box before falling under pressure from Fazio, but the referee is not interested. It looked a pen to me!
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Benfica
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Both teams have had their moments in an end-to-end first 45 minutes, but clear chances have been at a premium. That said, as just mentioned, Benfica will feel that they should have been awarded a penalty late in the half.
STATISTICS: Sevilla have just about shaded the possession with 54%, while they have had four attempts - three of which have been on target. Benfica, meanwhile, hit the target with four of their six attempts. The referee also issued three yellow cards in what was a slightly ill-tempered half of action.
BENCH WATCH: Sevilla have a host of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Marin, Trochowski and leading scorer Gameiro. Benfica, meanwhile, have already been forced into a change with Sulejmani leaving the field for Andre Almeida after just 25 minutes. The Portuguese outfit still have options on their bench, however, in the shape of Cardozo, Jardel and Cavaleiro.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. As it stands, the match is heading for extra-time. Right, Benfica get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Benfica start the half on the front foot with Rodrigo, but Fazio is across to clear.
CHANCES! Incredible period of the match for Benfica. The Portuguese outfit have four chances in a matter of moments, but twice Rodrigo is denied by blocks on the line, while Lima also has two efforts blocked. A slip from Sevilla left-back Moreno aided Benfica, but they could not open the scoring.
Sevilla are living a charmed life at the moment as Benfica continue to force the issue. The Portuguese outfit have been on top for the last 15 minutes or so - including the latter stages of the first period. Sevilla remain a threat on the counter, but Bacca and Rakitic have been unable to find each other in this half.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla as Rakitic finds Reyes inside the Benfica box, but the Spaniard's effort is wide of the post. Incredible opportunity for the Spanish outfit.
Another half-chance for Reyes as the Sevilla winger finds some space outside the Benfica box before striking on goal, but Oblak is on hand to make the save. Brilliant response from the Spanish side, but the score remains goalless with 56 minutes on the clock. Are we heading for extra-time this evening?
PENALTY SHOUT! Another penalty shout for Benfica as Moreno appears to fell Lima inside the Sevilla box, but the referee is not interested. That would have been a second booking and a red card.
The match has just settled in the last couple of moments, but Benfica are the team in control of the possession. Still no movement on the Sevilla bench, but Emery has plenty of options in reserve. Fazio comes close to scoring a crazy own goal moments later following a cross from Gaitan, but his low effort just moves past the post. I would be astounded if this match went all the way to extra-time.
What a match! End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third. Benfica call for another penalty as Moreno challenges Lima, but it was a brilliant tackle from the left-back. Vitolo attempts to find Bacca down the other end moments later, but Garay clears.
CHANCE! Reyes has another wonderful chance for Sevilla after collecting a cross from Coke, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. How on earth is this match still goalless?!
Play has been stopped in the last few moments following an injury to Benfica goalkeeper Oblak, who was caught by Bacca. However, the stopper will not be forced to leave the field. Still goalless in Turin.
Another half-chance for Sevilla as Vitolo dances into the Benfica box before rolling a low cross towards Bacca, but Garay is across to clear at the vital moment. The Spanish side have taken control after struggling in the early stages of the half. It has been a stunning 66 minutes of football in this European final.
Sevilla continue to force the issue from set pieces, but the quality of the delivery has been poor in the last five minutes or so. Not too much from Benfica in the last couple of moments, which is credit to the Spanish side. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to claim the trophy this evening.
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. One thing is for certain, both teams have attacking options in reserve. Just a reminder that the match will enter extra-time if the score remains level after 90 minutes. Little under 20 minutes of normal time remaining in Turin.
Another half-chance for Sevilla as Fazio meets a free kick from Rakitic, but his header is straight into the arms of the Benfica stopper. Lima has a half-chance down the other end for Benfica, but the striker loses his footing at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Still we wait for the first goal in Turin.
Fazio takes matters into his own hands moments later after collecting possession on the left, but his cross is straight into the arms of Oblak. Benfica enjoy a period with the ball down the other end, but eventually Pareja clears under pressure from Lima. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining this evening.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Garay has a half-chance inside the Sevilla box moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. Neither side is settling for extra-time that is for certain.
SUB! Sevilla make their first change of the match as Reyes is replaced by Marin.
Both managers have two permitted changes remaining, but with extra-time in mind, neither will want to play their cards at this stage of proceedings. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with both sides just starting to take more care in defensive areas.
Another half-chance for Benfica as Lima finds himself inside the Sevilla box before setting it back to Rodrigo, but Fazio is on hand to make the block. Still goalless in this Europa League final in Turin.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last minute or two, but you just get the feeling that there are a couple more opportunities to come before the 90 minutes are over. The referee has been called into action, meanwhile, to deal with a number of late challenges. Little over five to play.
SAVE! Lima tries his luck from outside the box for Benfica, but Beto rises to make a brilliant save. It might take something spectacular to decide this match.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Benfica as Garay meets a cross from Rodrigo, but his header floats over the crossbar. Sevilla survive, but Benfica are not finished here, far from it.
Sevilla are just hanging on at the moment as Benfica continue to press and press in the final third. The Benfica supporters are in wonderful voice, but Sevilla gain some respite when Pereira fells Moreno.
Possession football from Benfica as they continue to pass and probe outside the Sevilla box. The Spanish side have settled for extra-time it would seem, which is a matter of minutes away. Is there to be late drama?
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the 90 and we are indeed into the second of those as Mbia clears a deep cross from Andre.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for Benfica as Garay meets a high ball inside the Sevilla box, but his volley is high and wide of the crossbar. That should be just about that for normal time.
END OF NORMAL TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Benfica
So there we have it. The two teams cannot be seperated after 90 minutes and therefore the final will indeed head for extra-time. How on earth has that match just finished goalless?! Enthralling stuff from Turin.
Benfica looked as if they would run away with it in the early stages of the half, but Sevilla responded impressively and might have won it after creating chances of their own. Both managers still have two changes remaining, which is important at this stage of proceedings. Extra-time will soon get underway...
Here we go then. You just get the feeling that one goal will be enough to win the match. Are we heading for penalties? It would be a cruel way to end this Europa League campaign. Sevilla get the action underway.
Not too much to report in the early stages of extra-time, with both sides just attempting to gain a foot-hold in proceedings. Pereira remains an outlet for Benfica down the right, but their latest attack comes to an end when Fazio clears a low cross. Moments later, Mbia collides with Andre just outside the Sevilla box.
Not the best start to the half for Mbia, who undergoes a period of treatment following that clash with Andre. However, it does appear that the Cameroon international will be fit to continue. Not too much to report in extra-time thus far. Just a reminder that both managers still have two permitted changes remaining.
Not too much intensity to the match at the moment as both teams continue to labour in the final third, which is not much of a surprise. Both have put so much into this contest thus far. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in extra-time. No half-chances to speak of since the end of normal time.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest foul allows Benfica a free kick just outside the box, but Pareja manages to clear under pressure from Garay. Not too much from Sevilla in terms of an attacking threat.
BOOKING! Coke enters the book for Sevilla following a late challenge on Gaitan.
SUB! Benfica make their second change as Cardozo replaces Siqueira.
CHANCE! Sevilla goalkeeper Beto is called into action once more to deny a powerful free kick from Lima. The stopper made a meal of the effort, but managed to gather at the second time of asking.
BOOKING! Benfica defender Andre is booked for a late challenge on Rakitic.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bacca as Rakitic finds his Sevilla teammate with a brilliant through ball, but the Colombian fires his effort wide of the post. What an opportunity!
SUB! Sevilla make their second change of the match as Gameiro replaces Marin.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Benfica
Still no goals in Turin. If that is still the case in little over 15 minutes then we will indeed head for penalties. Both managers still have one change remaining this evening.
Benfica get the second half of extra-time underway. Is there to be a winner in the next 15 minutes?
Benfica have taken control of the possession since the restart, but Sevilla have men behind the ball and there is not much space in the final third. Little over 10 minutes remaining. Both sets of supporters remain in such wonderful voice, but there will be heart-break for some at the end of the evening.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, while the referee has been called upon to intervene following a number of late challenges. Neither side is too prepared to force numbers forward at this stage of proceedings, which is not a surprise. A goal now surely wins it.
CHANCE! Wonderful football from Sevilla as Rakitic combines with Gameiro, who strikes one towards the top corner, but it hits the side netting. Bacca was unmarked in the middle of the box.
SUB! Third and final change for Sevilla as Diogo replaces Vitolo.
Sevilla threaten with a deep set piece from Rakitic, but Oblak is out to collect at the vital moment. Benfica break down the other end with Gaitan, but the pace of the match has slowed and Moreno clears with ease.
In truth, not too much is happening at the moment. Neither side is prepared to commit too many numbers in the final third, with little over four minutes of football remaining. Andre attempts to find the top corner with a curling effort from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
Another Sevilla attack comes to an end this evening as Mbia fires one high and wide of the crossbar after finding some space outside the box. Is there time for one last opportunity? It would be a winner.
SUB! Third and final change for Benfica as Cavaleiro replaces Gaitan.
Bacca and Garay are both out on their feet at the moment, with the referee calling for a stretcher...
FULL-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Benfica
So there we have it. The 2014 Europa League final will be decided by penalties. Both managers will gather their thoughts before the shootout begins. Such tension inside the stadium!
Will Bacca be able to take a penalty for Sevilla? The Colombian could hardly walk in the latter stages, but will surely be on the list along with the likes of Gameiro, Rakitic and Moreno. For Benfica, I suspect that Cardozo, Rodrigo and Cavaleiro will be among those that try their luck from the spot.
The penalties will be taken in front of the Sevilla supporters...
GOAL! Lima sends Benfica 1-0 ahead.
GOAL! Bacca levels for Sevilla.
SAVE! Beto denies Cardozo!
GOAL! Mbia sends Sevilla 2-1 ahead!
SAVE! Beto denies Rodrigo!
GOAL! Coke sends Sevilla 3-1 ahead.
GOAL! Luisao scores for Benfica to keep his side alive!
GOAL! Gameiro scores and wins the Europa League for Sevilla!
SEVILLA WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE 4-2 ON PENS!
Incredible, what a night in Turin! Sevilla were underdogs, but they have won the 2014 Europa League. It is more heartbreak for Benfica, who have now lost their last eight finals in European competition.
So there we have it. That is just about it from me this evening. It has been a long night, but a brilliant one. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
