2021 Gdansk Final Night

Lore & Background

This was Villarreal's fourth ever final in an official knockout tournament, having played previously three in UEFA competitions, all in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, winning it in 2003 and 2004. Head coach Unai Emery reached his fifth European final, all in the UEFA Europa League, having won three successive titles with Sevilla (2014, 2015, 2016) and lost in 2019 with Arsenal. Manchester United reached their second UEFA Cup/Europa League final, having won the only previous occasion in 2017. The clubs had met four times previously, all in UEFA Champions League group stages (2005–06 and 2008–09), with all games ending in goalless draws.

Reader's Guide

The match was played at the Stadion Gdańsk in Gdańsk, Poland, originally selected to host the 2020 final but delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A capacity limit of 25% was agreed for the 41,620-seater stadium, resulting in an attendance of 9,412. Villarreal opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Gerard Moreno, diverting a free-kick from Dani Parejo. Edinson Cavani equalized in the 55th minute after a deflected shot from Marcus Rashford. After extra time, the match went to penalties; the first ten penalties were converted, then Villarreal goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli scored his penalty and saved David de Gea's attempt to win the trophy.

Did You Know?

• The final was originally scheduled for Seville but was moved to Gdańsk due to the pandemic.
• This was the first UEFA club match hosted at Stadion Gdańsk, which was a venue for UEFA Euro 2012.
• French referee Clément Turpin officiated the final, his first UEFA Europa League final.
• Villarreal's win earned them a place in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea.