Liverpool fall in Europa final

Coke’s double handed Sevilla their fifth Europa League crown after a 3-1 win over Liverpool at St Jakob-Park in Basel.

Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool the lead 10 minutes before the break in fine fashion, finding the corner of the net with the outside of the boot from just inside the area as the Premier League side dominated the first half.

But Sevilla were level 18 seconds into the second half through Kevin Gameiro, who slotted home from close range from Mariano’s cross.

Coke put Sevilla ahead on 64 minutes, curling home superbly from the edge of the box, before the midfielder bagged a second six minutes later after the ball fell kindly to him in the area off the boot of Philippe Coutinho.

The defeat means Liverpool miss the chance of competing in the Champions League next season, and European competition altogether, while Jurgen Klopp remains in search of his first European trophy.

The German named the same side that beat Villarreal 3-0 in the second leg of the semi-final, starting England striker Sturridge up front.

And it was Sturridge who had the first chance of the game, seeing his header from a tight angle on the left cleared from under the crossbar by Daniel Carrico.

Liverpool should have had a penalty moments later after Carrico looked to have handled in the area as Roberto Firmino looked to touch the ball past him, but Swedish referee …

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