Bono loses European Super Cup on his big farewell to Sevilla
Sevilla came to the Piraeus stadium in Greece with the aim of finally lifting their first European Super Cup. Mendilibar's side are living through the end of a transfer window that could mark the future of the club. It is no secret that Sevilla sell everything because they need to generate capital gains to survive in this football business. But no one forgets last season's league disaster, which ended as Europa League champions in an unexpected twist of fate.
It is logical for Mendilibar to say that "they're getting on my nerves". The coach knows that Bono will be heading to Al Hilal in the Saudi Arabian league where he will share a team with Koulibaly, Neves, Milinković-Savić, Malcom or Neymar, the big signing. There may be more departures such as that of En-Nesyri, something that would leave the team at a minimum in a year in which they return to the Champions League.
The Moroccan striker scored the first goal against City with a powerful leap and a shot at the base of the post that left Emerson as a spectator of luxury. Sevilla came out wanting to challenge the European champions and Guardiola's side were not as quick on their feet as expected.
The physical deployment of both teams was supreme for August, but the Andalusian side was a point above with runs and disputes such as those waged by Ocampos, Lamela, Acuña and the veteran Navas, who continues to perform at a high level.
Bono brought Sevilla back into the game with some great reflex saves. The Moroccan goalkeeper leaves for a growing league and misses out on the chance to make a name for himself in a big European club. Neither Grealish, Foden nor Palmer were able to score the equaliser. Haaland suffered from Gudelj's marking, who left him dry, just like in the semi-finals against Real Madrid or in the final against Inter.
But in the 63rd minute, young Palmer headed the ball down the line to make it 1-1, which was deserved because there were moments of siege from which Sevilla defended well.
UEFA was smart and decided not to take this final to extra time to avoid excessive wear and tear on the players in a Euro and Olympic Games season. After 90 minutes, the penalty shoot-out started with high quality shots from both teams. Bono was expected to save one, but accuracy was at a premium. Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kovacic, Grealish and Walker made no mistake, although the last one was touched in by Bono. For Sevilla, Ocampos, Mir, Rakitic and Montiel made no mistake either, but Gudelj's shot hit the crossbar as Citizen Madness celebrated their first European Super Cup in style.
Mendilibar said after the game that he thought Suso would offer to take a penalty, but he didn't and that, had he known, he wouldn't have changed Lamela. He owned up to his mistake and expressed his displeasure at the sales that are threatening the team in a season where anything can happen in view of the Arabian League's star signing fever.
