Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has praised Sevilla for their performance in the final of the Europa League final as the Rojiblancos saw off Liverpool.
While Jurgen Klopp’s Reds took the lead through Daniel Sturridge’s first-half wondergoal, they were unable to hold onto their advantage and were pegged back 17 seconds into the second half when Kevin Gameiro struck.
Sevilla, serial Europa League winners, won their third consecutive goals as they added to their tally with two more goals in quick succession, as Liverpool wilted despite the immense support for them in Basel.
Speaking to the official website of the Qatar World Cup—as per AS—Xavi has praised Unai Emery’s side for their convincing showing against the Merseysiders.
“Sevilla played a fantastic second half against Liverpool in the Europa League final,” Xavi began, “and were the better team.
“They have the experience of playing in major finals,” he continued, “and what they’ve achieved is impressive.”
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While the Reds shone as they eliminated Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal in earlier rounds, their work-in-progress under Klopp unravelled against a clinical Sevilla side in the final.
The loss represents a setback for the German coach, who will be unable to count on the allure of Champions League football next season as he looks to tempt players to Anfield to help the club rediscover their lost lustre.