The "Curse of Bela Guttmann" lives on.
Sevilla beat Benfica on penalties 0-0 (4-2) to win their third Europa league title in the past nine years. The 120 minutes wasn’t enough in Juventus stadium, as Benfica went on to lose their 8th consecutive European league final and their second in a row.
The opening 45 minutes were sloppy, to say the least. Two early yellows and a handful of fouls were called, and it was apparent both team's nerves and excitement affected their play. But from the two minutes of stoppage time till the final whistle, we had a exciting final. Benfica started to show their class right before half, barraging the Sevilla net. A lovely ariel through ball from Maxi Pereira found a streaking Federico Fazio, whose shot was deflected by Sevilla goalkeeper Beto. Benfica forwards Lima and Rodrigo followed the rebound but both attempts were then blocked to end the onslaught going into the break.
The second half began with Benfica on the attack, which was handled beautifully by the Sevilla defense. The rest of the half was an entertaining up and down battle between two teams who just didn’t want to lose. Bodies were flying to block shots and both teams had opportunities to score but couldn't seem to break through the stout defenses. The up and down game looked more likely to go into extra time as fatigue started to kick in.
Sevilla had one of the best chances in extra time when Carlos Bacca exploded down the right wing to collect Ivan Rakitic’s pass. The Columbian, who will likely replace Radamel Falcao in this year's World Cup, blasted the shot from the right side with the outside of his right foot past the left post.
As penalties loomed on the minds of the players, it was evident each team was aware of the missed opportunities to win the match. Both teams fell into the habit of supplying the extra pass at times, but the Sevilla side led by manager Unai Emery seemed to have more energy going into the penalties. Sevilla buried all four penalties with pace and confidence while Benfica had two of their penalties controversially blocked. Take a look:
Sevilla goalkeeper Beto left his line before contact was made with the ball causing uproar throughout social media:
Beto is so far off his line when the kick is taken he's basically at the ball before it's kicked. What are the referees looking at?
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2014
3 officials watching these penalties. Can't they see Beto is coming off his line???
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 14, 2014
"I'm starting to wonder what these guys do." - Eric Wynalda on fourth officials, after Beto wasn't whistled for leaving his line on PKs.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 14, 2014
Now it's apparent when watching the video that Beto is off of his line when the ball is hit. The rule was clearly violated, but the call never came. Benfica should have complained to the referees after the first time - or goalkeeper Jan Oblak should of come off his line like Beto was. Nevertheless, Sevilla took their penalties with pace, while Oscar Cardozo and Rodrigo stuttered on their steps and tried to place their penalties.
It is unfortunate for Benfica. They were heavily favored and were on their way to win a rare quadruple. Sevilla on the other hand weren’t even supposed to qualify for the Europa League. They were in 9th position in La Liga, but due to UEFA banning Malaga and denying Rayo a UEFA License, they gained qualification. Are they a team of destiny perhaps? Sevilla played their 19th game in their Europa League campaign, compared to Benfica’s nine.
The curse will continue for SL Benfica. 1962 was the last time the club hoisted a trophy, but they can still win the Taca de Portugal to end the season with three trophies in hand.
It's only the begining of finals occuring throughout Europe. Hopefully the FA Cup and UCL finals carry as much suspense, with a little less controversy.
Benfica fans, stay strong.
