Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Since 1998, the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League finals have been played as single-leg matches. Of 28 finals, ten have required extra time and six have been decided by penalties. A total of 88 goals were scored, averaging 3.1 goals per game, according to UEFA data.
The 1998 final saw Inter defeat Lazio 3-0 at Parc des Princes in Paris. Early goals came from Iván Zamorano and Javier Zanetti's assists, before 21-year-old Ronaldo sealed the victory with a late goal. Ronaldo described the game as memorable, given Lazio's strong team.
In 2001, Liverpool and Alavés played a nine-goal thriller in Dortmund, ending 5-4 after extra time. Liverpool twice led by two goals, but Alavés managed to equalize late. The match was ultimately decided by an extra-time golden goal own goal from Delfi Geli. Dietmar Hamann of Liverpool recalled the intensity and momentum shifts of that match.
The 2003 final between Celtic and Porto ended 3-2 after extra time, with the winning goal scored via the only silver goal in UEFA Cup final history. Porto’s coach José Mourinho called it a great example of football, and Celtic’s Martin O’Neill described it as a wonderful experience. Deco stood out for Porto.
Sevilla defended their UEFA Cup title in 2007 by defeating Espanyol 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw through extra time at Hampden Park. Goalkeeper Andrés Palop was instrumental, contributing an assist and saving multiple penalties. Espanyol’s manager Ernesto Valverde recognized Palop's significant impact.
In the 2016 final, Sevilla defeated Liverpool 3-1 in Basel, securing their fifth Europa League title. Sevilla scored three goals—two from Coke—including one in extra time, overcoming Liverpool’s early lead from Daniel Sturridge.