COLOGNE, Germany, Aug 15, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The Europa League may not be
able to match the riches and glamour of the Champions League, but the
presence of Manchester United and Inter Milan in the semi-finals is further
evidence that Europe’s giants are increasingly taking the competition
seriously.
United and Sevilla, who face off in Sunday’s first semi-final, have
already benefited from the introduction of a place in the Champions League
for the Europa League winners in 2015, but with Ukranian champions Shakhtar
Donetsk facing Inter in the other semi-final on Monday, all four sides
remaining have already secured their places in the Champions League next
season.
Instead, it is the prestige of a European trophy and prize money that is
driving the ambitions of the semi-finalists despite the eery atmosphere with
all games behind closed doors in northern Germany.
“I think it’s so important to win because every player needs to understand
how it is to win a trophy for Manchester United,” said Bruno Fernandes, whose
extra-time penalty saw the English giants squeeze past FC Copenhagen in the
quarter-finals.
“I think if we finish with a trophy, it will not be perfect, but it will
be a good year for us because Manchester United needs to come back again to
win some trophies and fight for the European competitions.”
United have not won a trophy since they lifted the Europa League for the
first time in 2017.
Sevilla are the kings of this competition, winning it five times since
2006, but have not claimed any silverware since they last lifted the Europa
League in 2016.
Inter have made giant strides towards closing the gap to Juventus in
Antonio Conte’s first season in charge, but are also seeking their first
trophy since 2011.
– Prize money peaks interest –
The presence of United and Inter means there will be more previous
Champions League winners in the Europa League semi-finals than UEFA’s premier
club competition in Lisbon.
But European football’s governing body has peaked the interest of the
continent’s biggest clubs with increased prize money in the Europa League in
recent seasons.
Spanish and English clubs have combined to win the competition for the
past eight years.
The 560 million euros ($660 million) distributed among clubs in the Europa
League is still just a quarter of the 2 billion euro pot for the Champions
League, but provides a significant financial boost, particularly with the
coronavirus pandemic squeezing clubs’ finances on matchday income.
Chelsea pocketed 46 million euros for winning the competition last season,
whilst those dropping into the Europa League from the Champions League as
Inter and Shakhtar did this season stand to win even more.
Sevilla have been the biggest beneficiaries of the laissez-faire attitude
of some clubs to the importance of the Europa League in the past.
The Spanish side defeated Middlesbrough, Espanyol, Benfica and Dnipro in
the first four of their five final victories before outgunning Liverpool four
years ago.
Shakhtar also took advantage when they became only the second Ukrainian
club to ever win a European trophy by beating Werder Bremen in 2009.
Both are shining examples how smart player trading can bridge an economic
gap to the continent’s super clubs, but every season the rebuild gets harder
as the likes of United and Inter’s financial muscle allows them to scoop up
the best talent.
Only three of the Sevilla starting line-up that knocked United out of the
Champions League two years ago will be part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad on
Sunday. Next season Lucas Ocampos, Sergio Reguilon and Diego Carlos will
likely follow the pathway of Dani Alves, Ivan Rakitic, Clement Lenglet and
many others in securing a big move after starring at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
But they will hope to sign off with another victory in the competition
Sevilla call their own.
“It’s brought us a lot of joy” said Sevilla captain Jesus Navas, who
himself left for Manchester City in 2013 before returning for a second spell
at his hometown club. “Given the difficult times we’re all experiencing,
being able to win the Europa League for the fans and all of us would be
really great.”