Five records Sevilla can break in Basel
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
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Sevilla are already the UEFA/UEFA Europa League's most successful side but they could comprehensively rewrite the record books with victory against Liverpool. Here is how.
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- First team to lift the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League three years running
Luis Molowny's Real Madrid side managed back-to-back titles in 1984/85 and 1985/86, and Sevilla have twice matched their Liga rivals in 2005/06 and 2006/07, when Juande Ramos was their coach, then 2013/14 and 2014/15 under Unai Emery. No team have won three consecutive editions of a major UEFA competition since Bayern's third straight European Cup in 1976.
- Spain could become the most successful nation in the competition's history
Spain and Italy currently have nine wins apiece, with Serie A providing six runners-up to the Liga's five. England (7 wins), Germany (6) and the Netherlands (4) complete the top five.
- First team to lift the trophy five times
Sevilla became the first to do it on four occasions 12 months ago and will extend their record with victory in Basel. Opponents Liverpool are one of three teams currently one behind having won in 1972/73, 1975/76 and 2000/01. The other three-time winners are Internazionale Milano (1990/91, 1993/94, 1997/98) and Juventus (1976/77, 1989/90, 1992/93).
- José Antonio Reyes could become first player to appear in four final wins
The former Arsenal man, now 32, played in Atlético's final victory of 2010 and Sevilla's wins in 2014 and 2015, matching a feat only previously achieved by Ray Clemence, Giuseppe Bergomi and Nicola Berti; another and he will be out alone. Last season the Spaniard became the first player to collect four winners medals (he left during Atlético's victorious 2011/12 campaign), a record he could extend.
- Unai Emery could win a record-equalling third title as coach
Only Giovanni Trapattoni (Juventus 1976/77, 1992/93; Internazionale Milano 1990/91) has managed it so far. Emery currently sits alongside Ramos, Molowny and Rafael Benítez, the former Liverpool manager who won the competition with Valencia (2003/04) and Chelsea (2012/13). Obviously, Emery would be first to triumph three times with one club.
For more facts and stats check out our extensive match background.