Sevilla thrashed Middlesbrough 4-0 in the UEFA Cup final to win their first European trophy.
Sevilla looked the better side from the off, and twice went close through Adriano Correia and Fabiano.
Luis Fabiano’s gave the Spanish side a 1-0 halftime lead as they looked the better team in the opening period. The striker rose above Riggott to direct a header in off the post from Alves’ cross to give Seville a deserved half-time lead.
Goalkeeper Andres Palop maintained their lead when he reacted brilliantly to deny Mark Viduka on 52 minutes as Middlesbrough came back into the game after the break. Viduka again went close midway through the second half, but his snap shot sailed inches wide. The Australian striker was then denied what looked a clear penalty when he was shoved in the back by Javi Navarro with fifteen minutes remaining.
However, two goals by Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca in the 78th and 84th minutes took the game Sevilla’s way and Freddie Kanoute completed an emphatic win in the closing minutes.
Sevilla 4-0 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue (Yakubu 70), Morrison (Maccarone 45), Rochemback, Boateng, Downing, Viduka (Cattermole 85), Hasselbaink.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Ehiogu, Parlour, Bates.
Booked: Rochemback.
Sevilla: Palop, Daniel, Javi Navarro, Escude, David, Navas, Marti, Maresca, Adriano Correia (Puerta 85), Luis Fabiano (Renato 73), Saviola (Kanoute 45).
Subs Not Used: Notario, Aitor Ocio, Sales, Kepa.
Booked: Daniel, Escude, Maresca.
Att: 36,500
Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).
