2021 Gdansk Final Night

Lore & Background

Villarreal won the 2021 UEFA Europa League final, securing their first trophy in the competition. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, and Villarreal triumphed 11–10 on penalties. As winners, they earned the right to play against Chelsea in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup and qualified for the group stage of the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the PGE Arena, casting long shadows across the green pitch. In yellow and blue, the Villarreal players stood tall against the red wall of Manchester United. The air was thick with tension as Gerard Moreno looked up at the stands, knowing one mistake could end a dream. When the final whistle blew, heads bowed, but pride remained in their hearts.

Reader's Guide

The final was played at the Stadion Gdańsk in Gdańsk, Poland, originally scheduled for 2020 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. The match was refereed by Frenchman Clément Turpin.

Did You Know?

• Villarreal opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a goal from Gerard Moreno.
• Edinson Cavani equalized for Manchester United in the 55th minute.
• The first ten penalties from both teams were converted before Villarreal keeper Gerónimo Rulli scored his penalty and saved David de Gea's attempt.
• This was Villarreal's fourth ever final in an official knockout tournament, having previously won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2003 and 2004.