Goalkeeper Andres Palop emerged as Sevilla's hero by saving three penalties in the shoot-out to give his side victory over Espanyol in a thrilling all-Spanish UEFA Cup final at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
The Andalucians became only the second side to retain the trophy after a pulsating game, played in driving rain, ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, condemning Espanyol to more European final heartbreak -- 19 years after they lost the 1988 final on penalties to Bayer Leverkusen.
Palop, whose headed goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16 had kept the holders in the competition, saved spot-kicks from Luis Garcia, Jonatas and Marc Torrejon to give Sevilla victory 3-1 on penalties.
Pandiani was Espanyol's only scorer in the shootout, but it was not enough to prevent Sevilla retaining their trophy.
Sevilla, emulating Real Madrid who achieved successive UEFA Cup triumphs in 1985 and 1986, remain on course for a treble. They play Getafe in the King's Cup final and are still in contention for the Primera Liga title.
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