Villarreal have clinched their first ever European title with an 11-10 win on penalties against Manchester United in the Europa league final on Thursday (NZ time).
After the scores were tied 1-1 at the end of extra time, Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli scored the decisive spotkick and saved his counterpart David de Gea's attempt to spark wild scenes of celebration at the PGE Arena - the first European final to be played in front of a crowd in two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Villarreal survived a tough second half to give coach Unai Emery a record fourth title in the competition, leaving United without a trophy since their Europa League triumph in 2017.
In the 29th minute, Gerard Moreno stretched to reach Dani Parejo's free kick and steered the ball past De Gea to open the scoring, only for United to level when Edinson Cavani poked the ball home, after collecting Marcus Rashford's deflected shot on 55 minutes.
After no goals were scored in extra time, all outfield players scored their penalties and Rulli coolly beat De Gea before saving the United keeper's spotkick.
Reuters.
