ROMELU LUKAKU refused to collect his runners-up medal as his stunning debut season for Inter ended in late heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The striker scored the unluckiest of own goals as Sevilla ran out 3-2 winners in a thrilling game.
Romelu Lukaku refused to collect his runners-up medal after a heartbreaking late own goal handed Sevilla the Europa LeagueCredit: Friedemann Vogel
The former Manchester United man – who gave Inter the lead with a penalty after just five minutes – accidentally diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego Carlos to hand the La Liga side their winner.
Nothing can be taken away from Carlos’ miraculous acrobatics but his eye-catching effort was going wide.
Lukaku instinctively stuck a foot out to block it, only to guide the ball into the net, giving Sevilla the lead with just 15 minutes to play.
The final in Cologne could not have started better for the Belgian, who continued his red hot form early on.
A disappointed Antonio Conte collects his runners-up medal Credit: Reuters
The striker made no mistake to coolly tuck away from 12 yards and get Antonio Conte’s men rolling – reaching some personal milestones in the process.
That was Lukaku’s 34th goal of his first season with Inter, a feat only matched by Brazilian maestro Ronaldo in 1998.
It meant the Belgian had scored in a record ELEVEN successive Europa League games.
While he also became the first player to score in six consecutive knockout stage matches in major European competition since Cristiano Ronaldo between 2012 and 2013.
Lukaku’s joy was short-lived, as Sevilla hit back seven minutes later after former Newcastle flop Luuk de Jong brilliant nodded home from inside the box.
And the Premier League flop was again on the scoreboard following another brilliant header to give Sevilla the lead.
Belgian striker Lukaku diverted into his own net after an audacious bicycle kick by Diego CarlosCredit: Reuters
It had started so well for Lukaku, who scored his 34th goal of the season after just five minutesCredit: EPA
The Dutchman expertly looped the ball over Samir Handanovic after a deep cross from a free-kick.
But the first-half drama did not stop there, as yet another headed goal brought the teams level once more.
Diego Godin’s effort from a set-piece 10 minutes from half-time levelled up the match.
With it all to play for both teams pushed for a winner – but a moment of misfortune saw Lukaku deflect Carlos’ spectacular effort beyond a helpless Handanovic.
Sevilla secured their SIXTH Europa League while it was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter again.
The Italian’s finished just a point behind Juventus in Serie A and again came runners up in Germany.
And it was all too much for Lukaku, who was not present as Inter collected their silver medals.
Lukaku opened the lead but his own goal won it for Sevilla Credit: Getty Images
It was heartbreak for Antonio Conte’s Inter in Cologne Credit: Getty Images
Watch furious Antonio Conte scream ‘see me after the game’ after Sevilla’s Ever Banega takes mickey out of his hair
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
