Winning Europa League trophy is ‘Something amazing’ – Villarreal’s Coquelin
Villarreal midfielder, Francis Coquelin, has described their Europa League victory over Manchester United as ‘something amazing’.
Manchester United lost to Villarreal on penalties in the Europa League final in Gdansk, as David de Gea missed the decisive spot kick.
The goalkeeper saw the 22nd penalty of a mammoth shootout saved by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, as the La Liga side prevailed.
Villarreal took the lead after half an hour when Gerard Moreno got the better of a static defence to turn home a free-kick, with both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly left looking on.
The goal had come largely against the run of play, but with United struggling to turn their possession into decent chances they were left frustrated by a rugged defence.
It was Cavani who levelled the scores early in the second period when he turned home a poacher’s effort, with Marcus Rashford soon missing a great chance to make it 2-1.
United then tired badly in the second period, with the match petering out into a penalty shootout.
Speaking to BT Sport: “It feels really good. It’s been a tough competition. To play against a very good side like Manchester United, we knew it would be tough.
read also:BREAKING: Villarreal win Europa League after beating Man United in final
“We didn’t manage to get to the Champions League through the league so to get it through the Europa League is something special – and a first title for the club as well – something amazing.
“A great way to finish the seaosn
“When you go down to the end you know it’s winner takes it all. We had a tough game. Manchester put a lot on pressure on us. We had to dig in.
“A penalty shootout is a lottery and we managed to win it.
“It was a fairytale of the competition. To beat them in the final is something special.
“We will try to celebrate because this is something massive for the club.”