Europa champs Villareal's manager Unai Emery reveals team didn't practice penalties in training

Villarreal manager Unai Emery reveals players did not practise spot-kicks after team beat Man United 11-10 via tie-breaker to emerge Europa League champions

Villarreal midfielder Francis Coquelin hailed his side’s special maiden major trophy, secured in stunning fashion with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli dives to save Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea’s penalty kick during the Europa League final on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

Playing their first-ever major European final, Unai Emery’s men clinched a memorable triumph 11-10 on penalties in Gdansk. “It feels really good. It’s been a very tough competition,” Frenchman Coquelin told BT Sport. “What an end.”

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Man United striker Edinson Cavani having cancelled out Gerard Moreno’s opener. 

Villarreal finished seventh in La Liga, but the win over United sees them jump from next season’s Europa Conference League into the Champions League. 

‘Amazing to seal UCL spot’

“We didn’t manage to get to the Champions League through the league so to get through with our first title is amazing,” added former Arsenal midfielder Coquelin. “To beat them in the final was something special. We will try to celebrate [despite Covid-19] because it’s something special for the club.”

Villarreal’s only previous silverware had been the Spanish third division in 1970 and two Intertoto Cups in 2003 and 2004. 

Villarreal manager Unai Emery with the Europa League trophy on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

For Villarreal boss Unai Emery, it was a record fourth UEFA Cup/Europa League triumph as coach. “This season, we have not worked on penalties in training but the players have been fabulous,” he said. 

“It’s amazing and wonderful that everyone has scored. It is a source of pride for Villarreal, the president, the project. The secret is work. The players showed a great mentality throughout the competition and in the final.” 

‘Great match’

“We had a great match against one of the best teams in the world,” left-back Alfonso Pedraza said. “We suffered, we did not have many chances, and then it was the lottery of penalties. A title for the supporters who helped us. We obviously dedicate it to all our supporters. It’s been a huge job this season.” 

Also Read: Marcus Rashford subjected to racial abuse after Man Utd lose Europa League final

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Record number of UEFA Cup/Europa League titles Unai Emery has won as coach

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