Atletico Madrid laid to rest the ghost of defeat in two of the last four Champions League finals by winning a third Europa League crown and third in nine years with a comprehensive 3-0 mauling of Marseille.
After a stuttering start, Antonie Griezmann, who is set to leave in the summer, put them ahead following a defensive error with a cool finish. He chipped in brilliantly for 2-0 just after the break while veteran Gabi fired in at the death to seal a fine triumph.
MARSEILLE (4-2-3-1)
Steve Mandanda – 5: Played his part in the opener as hasty clearance put his defence under pressure.
Bouna Sarr – 8: Tweeted after a dislocated shoulder following the 3-3 league game with Guingamp on Friday he would make the final. Marseille were grateful – he was excellent.
Adil Rami – 7: Fired an early effort just over. Led by example as he tried to inspire a revival from his side.
Luiz Gustavo – 3: Defensive midfielder started in the heart of defence in place of unfit Rolando. Endured a torrid evening dealing with Griezmann’s guile and combative Costa.
Jordan Amavi – 5: Fired a venomous late drive down Jan Oblak’s throat but struggled to cope with Correa’s forays forward.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 5: Justified selection early on as his power helped Marseille impose themselves. Horrible error for Griezmann’s goal.
Morgan Sanson – 6: Started brightly but faded badly as Atletico exerted a stranglehold on the game.
Florian Thauvin – 6: A new player to the one who flopped at Newcastle. Netted 26 goals in 52 games this season but couldn’t exert influence after a bright start.
Dmitri Payet – 7: The architect of everything good Marseille did in the first 30 minutes. In tears as he was forced off after that.
Lucas Ocampos – 7: His bustling energy and lanky frame caused a myriad of mismatches for Atletico. Surprisingly taken off as Marseille chased.
Valere Germain – 4: Had a glorious chance early on to stun the favourites, but didn’t have the temperament to finish. Disappeared thereafter.
SUBS:
Maxime Lopez – 5: Entered the fray early for the unfortunate Payet. Had little influence on proceedings.
Clinton Njie – 4: Lucky not to be ejected for a petulant kick at Hernandez and horrible shank late on went out for a throw.
Kostas Mitroglou – 6: Had Oblak beat with a brilliant glancing header, which agonisingly came back off the inside of the post.
ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak – 6: Barely had to lift a finger bar a few early crosses. A bystander for Mitroglou’s header and held Amavi’s firm effort.
Sime Vrsaljko – 4: Started instead of the experienced Juanfran but was hooked at the break after collecting a rash first-half yellow.
Jose Gimenez – 6: Atleti’s style to Godin’s substance at the back. Had little trouble patrolling alongside the experienced Uruguayan.
Diego Godin – 7: Commanding as Marseille mobbed Atletico early on, putting out fires and then showed his experience to keep French at bay.
Lucas Hernandez – 7: Marseille-born France international showed his fellow countrymen no mercy. Got forward in second half as Atleti scented blood.
Angel Correa – 7: Simeone opted for the Argentine instead of the more industrious Thomas Partey, was rewarded with a lively display.
Gabi – 7: Assured performance, exactly what his manager had him on the field for. Assist for Griezmann’s opener and killed Marseille off.
Saul Niguez – 7: A rising midfield force in Europe. Marries power with poise and was a commanding presence in Atleti’s engine room.
Koke – 8: Such a classy player. His deft touch to slip in Griezmann for his second was exceptional.
Diego Costa – 6: Put in the shade by his brilliant strike partner, but a dogged display was exactly what his side needed.
Antonine Griezmann – 9: Coolness personified for both goals. If he’s leaving this summer, he does so by bestowing the perfect parting gift.
SUBS:
Juanfran – 6: Brought on to replace erratic Vrsaljko, performed duties diligently.
Thomas Partey N/A: Got in on the celebrations late but had little time to cut any shapes.
Fernando Torres N/A: Paraded in front of the Rojiblancos faithful when the game was safe.