Not only did Carlos Bacca's brace help Sevilla defeat Dnipro in the Europa League final on Wednesday at Warsaw, the Colombian striker also helped his team qualify for the Champions League. It was an entertaining game with the score reading 3-2 when referee Martin Atikson blew the final whistle.
It was the Spanish side, who dominated possession in the first five minutes of the game and looked a dangerous unit.
But to everyone's surprise, Dnipro struck first as they thrilled fans with their amazing counter-attacking goal to take lead in the seventh minute of the game. It was Nicola Kalinic, who scored the goal. This is the perfect start, which Dnipro had hoped for considering their strength being defense.
But it was a tough task for the Ukrainian club to stop the attacking prowess of Sevilla, who were one of the best teams in the competition as far as their offensive play was concerned. They were on the lookout for the equaliser and in the 28th minute of the half, Grzegorz Krychowiak drilled home an equaliser.
Just in a matter of minutes, Bacca continued his goal scoring spree as he helped his team take 2-1 lead in the 3st minute of the game. Despite Dnipro trailing, they were not going to be bogged down by the occasion as they were coming close to levelling the game.
It was Dnipro's Konoplyanka, who was troubling Sevilla with his attacking flair. No wonder, the player has been a subject of transfer move away from Dnipro.
Just when one though that Sevilla will take a 2-1 lead at the end of first 45 minutes, the determination of the Dnipro players helped them score the second goal of the night, making it 2-2. Ruslan Rotan scored a spectacular free kick on the 43rd minute to draw level.
The second half also may have been a little subdued after a highly entertaining first half as both teams were cautious not to concede another goal. It was rather surprising to note that it was Dnipro, who looked dangerous and Sevilla were playing on the break.
Dnipro's defense was expected to be a major forte in the final, but it was their weak defensive play, which allowed Sevilla to core the all important goal Bacca finished clinically to take a 3-2 lead in the 73rd minute. Minus his goals, Bacca impressed one and all with his performance on the field.
Though Dnipro did not give up until the final whistle, they failed to get the third goal, which could have sent the game to extra time.
With the match ending 3-2 in favour of Spanish club, Sevilla has become the first club to win the competition four times.
