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The air in Budapest is electric. As night descends upon the Puskás Aréna, football fans around the globe wait in eager anticipation to discover who will hoist the coveted Europa League trophy high into the air.
As the teams prepare for tonight's thrilling face-off, there's more than just a victory at stake - a long-held tradition will be broken, either in Sevilla's or Roma's camp.
An Epic Clash of Traditions
The face-off between Roma and Sevilla is a veritable clash of titans, with both teams boasting impressive records that underscore their mettle.
Leading Roma's charge is seasoned strategist Jose Mourinho, whose European final record is pristine. The illustrious manager, affectionately known as "The Special One," has triumphantly led his teams to five finals. This includes prestigious events like the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, the Conference League, and the Europa League.
Each time, his team has clinched the championship. Sevilla, on the other hand, is no stranger to Europa League glory. The Andalusian outfit is fondly referred to as the "Queen of the Europa League" for its unmatched record in the competition.
With six titles to their name, they hold the record for the most victories, and they've celebrated each win in grand fashion.
??? Showtime! #UELfinal x @andeeborn pic.twitter.com/839wwqjqwu — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 31, 2023
Mourinho's Calm Confidence
Despite the mounting tension, Mourinho exudes a quiet confidence.
The Portuguese mastermind, at a recent press conference, expressed a firm belief in his team's ability to clinch the title. Not one to be swayed by past successes or the weight of history, he asserted his focus on the present.
“History doesn’t win matches at all,” the 60-year-old told UEFA. He went on to caution against relying too heavily on historical trends, asserting, “Superstition is something that I don’t like, so I don’t look at superstition even as a factor”.
The seasoned manager reiterated his forward-looking approach, emphasizing, “this final for me is a new final”. As Mourinho continues to defy expectations with his bold strategies, his white hair belies his unwavering passion for the sport.
In his own words, “You are going to have me, still, for many years”.
Countdown to Kickoff
In just a few hours, the Puskás Aréna will host the hotly contested Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma.
With English referee Anthony Taylor overseeing the proceedings, kickoff is slated for 21:00. As football enthusiasts across the globe tune in to watch this epic duel, one thing is for sure - tonight, a tradition will be shattered, and a new chapter in football history will be written.
