Gerónimo Rulli, Villarreal goalkeeper, ended up deciding a marathon penalty shoot-out, by converting his shot and saving one of his counterpart David de Gea, so that the “Yellow Submarine” prevailed over Manchester United and was crowned in the Europa League.
After a 1-1 draw in the final and in overtime, only the archers remained to take their shots in the shootout.
Rulli sent his shot to the nets, through the center of the goal, but the Spanish De Gea charged without force, and the South American goalkeeper managed to stop for the Yellow Submarine to prevail 11-10 in the series.
While Rulli remained lying on the grass, his teammates arrived to jump on him and unleash the celebration for the surprise victory.
“The players have been fabulous,” said Villarreal coach Unai Emery. “It is not even the decision to choose, because everyone has thrown, even the goalkeeper, it is incredible and wonderful that everyone scores.”
Villarreal won the first relevant trophy in its 98-year history, defeating one of the giants of European football.
In addition, the Spanish club obtained a ticket for the next edition of the Champions League, instead of playing the Europa League again, so its title will be available for a new team.
Villarreal finished in seventh place in the Spanish La Liga, but prevented the English clubs from monopolizing the continental trophies.
