Sevilla’s 3-2 win over Inter in the Europa League final was everything you could hope for in a major European showpiece.
Five goals, a penalty, a goal-scorer at both ends, questionable refereeing decisions and Everbanega questioning Antonio Conte’s miraculously growing hairline (well, the last goal falls under the ‘unexpected bonus’ category, but a worthwhile addition nonetheless).
Amidst this barnstormer of competition, one impressive stat went a little under the radar, as Diego Godin became just the sixth player to score in both a Champions League final and Europa League final (or European Cup and more). Joined in a wonderful role. UEFA Cup in old money).
The final got off to a great start for Inter, but – as they often do – Sevilla found their way to the Europa League champions/Poll/Getty Images
However, despite five players previously achieving the feat, Godden became the first player to score in both showcases and ended up on the losing side on both occasions, in Atleti’s 2014 Champions League final against Real Madrid. After scoring a goal, they ultimately proved futile. , with Diego Simeone’s men losing 4-1 in extra time.
Let’s take a look at the other five big game players who scored in both finals and see if their individual brilliance was matched by a winner’s medal.
Simonson spent time as coach of the Faroe Islands national team / GENT SHKULLAKU/Getty Images
Former Denmark forward Alan Simonsen was a prolific goalscorer during his 18-year career, so it’s no surprise to see him on this list.
His goals for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1975 and 1979 UEFA Cup finals saw the German side triumph on both occasions.
However, despite his towering goalscoring returns and an impressive list of employers including Spanish Barcelona, the European Cup was a trophy that would elude him, as his equalizer for Liverpool against Mönchengladbach in 1977 It proved futile as the Reds bounced back to win 3-1 in Rome.
Dmitry Ilinchev lifts the Champions League trophy / FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images
Despite spending just four seasons with Porto, Dmitri Ilinchev enjoyed a highly productive spell with the Portuguese side.
His goal in the 2003 UEFA Cup final gave Porto the lead against Scottish giants Celtic, before Henrik Larsson’s goal forced the game into extra time. However, José Mourinho was not to be denied his first piece of European silverware as a manager, as Brazilian striker Dirle scored the winner.
Porto would taste success in the Champions League the following year, and once again Ilinchev was at the forefront of victory, as his late strike sealed a 3-0 win for the Portuguese champions against Monaco.
Hernan Crespo tastes UEFA Cup success in 1999 with Parma/Gabriel Boyes/Getty Images
Hernan Crespo had the pleasure of being part of that brilliant Parma side of the late 90s, including Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro.
So it’s no surprise to hear that the club tasted European glory, as Crespo’s goal set up an emphatic 3-0 win over Marseille in the 1999 UEFA Cup final.
However, despite being part of a star-studded AC Milan side six years later, the former Argentina international would not enjoy such a fruitful final against Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League.
Despite racing into a 3-0 lead – the pick of the group with his own goal – Crespo would ultimately leave Istanbul with a runners-up medal as the Reds mounted a near-impossible comeback – more on that in a second.
Steve Gerrard with the Champions League trophy in 2005 / Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
The ultimate clutch moment player (well, in a Liverpool shirt at least).
His 16th-minute goal against Alves in the 2001 UEFA Cup final put Gerard Houllier’s side in a commanding position, however, the Spanish side hit back and forced the game into extra time.
The Merseysiders finally got it over the line thanks to a late goal as they sealed the cup treble.
Four years later and the England midfielder gave birth to the death of Crespo and co.
His looping header just after half-time against AC Milan put his side 3-1 up in the game, with Rafael Benitez’s men the most likely to bounce back to become Champions League winners. provided
Pedro is all smiles after Chelsea’s 2019 Europa League triumph / Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Pedro’s time at Barcelona was full of silverware, including three Champions Leagues.
The second of those European victories came in 2011, when the Spaniard opened the scoring against Manchester United at Wembley.
Despite Wayne Rooney’s equaliser, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were overpowered by Barca’s powerful man and Pep Guardiola’s men prevailed.
After leaving the Catalan giants for Chelsea in 2015, Pedro will again experience European success, this time in the 2019 Europa League.
His goal in the final put the Blues 2-0 up on the night, as they eventually ran out 4-1 winners against a weakened Arsenal side.