Sevilla retain Europa League crown in Warsaw

For Polish fans lapping up the atmosphere there was a much appreciated bonus with 25-year-old midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak scoring Sevilla's first goal.

Nevertheless, the match got off to a shaky start for the eventual winners, as the Ukrainian side found the back of the net just seven minutes into the game, thanks to Nikola Kalinic.

Krychowiak managed his elegant equaliser after 28 minutes, sliding the ball behind Dnipro goalie Denys Boyko.

The Spanish side swiftly followed up their first hit, with Carlos Bacca striking ten minutes later.

Yet just before the half time whistle blew, Dnipro bounced back to go level at 2-2 with a goal from Ruslan Rotan.

It was not until the 73rd minute that the Andalusians scored their winning goal, and the honour went to Carlos Bacca, with his second of the match.

Sevilla coach Unai Emery told the Przegląd Sportowy daily that he is dedicating the victory to his late father.

“I'm overwhelmed,” he said.

“It's a special moment for me.

“Congratulations to Dnipro and the fans from Ukraine for their great spirit. They played an excellent tournament.”

Emery also praised Polish midfielder Krychowiak, who was recently ranked as one of the finest players in Spain's top league.

“He is totally dedeicated to what he does,” Emery said.

“He played for us with ankle injury - few players would have done so. He played with a broken nose. There are few such players.” (nh)