Historic feat of yellow submarine at Gdansk Stadium, Poland. Villarreal are proclaimed UEFA Europa League 2020/2021 champions against Manchester United in the penalty shootout. Unai Emery fulfills the promise he made in his presentation, Villarreal will play the Champions next season.
Villarreal, first Europa League in his history
May 26, 2021 will be remembered by all Villarreal fans as a historic day. Strength, effort, passion, dedication and suffering to be proclaimed Europa League champions for the first time in history. Villarreal’s first final in Europe after a heart attack match, where everything could happen, they get the coveted title. Only a few fans were able to accompany the team in the stands, 2,1000 “groguets”, the rest stayed in Castellón where they celebrated it all over the place, despite the current pandemic situation.
Manchester United began dominating the game, although it was the Spanish team that took the lead in the 29th minute thanks to a goal from Gerard Moreno. Against all odds, Villarreal was closer to sporting glory. However, happiness was short-lived and in the 55th minute, Uruguayan striker Cavani tied the game. The Europa League final was more exciting than ever and the overtime had to be contested. That’s when the yellow submarine pulled out its claw and force, but not its aim.
Agony and epic penalty shootout: 11-10
One of the most difficult moments in a final is reaching penalties. Luck was on. Only one could be proclaimed champion. And this time, luck was on the part of Unai Emery. An agonizing and epic penalty shootout. The 22 players had to throw from eleven meters. They all met their goal, to score. All but one, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, failed and gave the championship to Villarreal. Villarreal won 11-10.
Villarreal are proclaimed UEFA Europa League 2020/2021 champions and replace another Spanish team, Sevilla.
Data sheet
Villarreal CF: Rollers; Foyth (Mario Gaspar, m. 87), R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza (Alberto M., m. 87); Capoue (Raba, m. 120), M. Trigueros (Moi Gómez, m. 76), Parejo; Yeremy (Paco Alcácer, m. 76), Gerard and Bacca (Coquelin, m. 59).
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka (Telles, m. 120), Lindelof, Bailly (Tuanzebe, m. 115), Shaw; Greenwood (Fred, d. 100), Pogba (Daniel James, d. 115), McTominay (Mata, d. 120), Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; and Cavani.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 29: Gerard. 1-1. Min. 54: Cavani. Penalty shootout, 11-10.
Referee: Clément Turpin.
