Another Euro Cup Heads to Madrid

It's the competition that big clubs despise.

And yet, this time of year, it offers heavy hardware that'd look good in a trophy case devoid of other trophies they didn't win this season.

Looking at you, Arsenal and Tottenham, among others.

Just one thing, though. If you actually make it to the Europa League final, do not touch that trophy until you win it.

Otherwise, the competition gods will despise you.

 

Dude.

Guess that settled that.

 

Suffice to say there won't be any Olympique Marseille highlights forthcoming from the Europa Cup final.

In fact, Les Olympiens got blanked in Lyon to the tune of 3-0 by that other team in Spain's capital city. The one that celebrates mattress makers.

 

This was the third time in the French side's history that they've been runners-up. Conversely, it's also the third time Diego Simeone’s side has hoisted the hardware.

After a turnover as inexplicable as it was inexcusable, French international Antoine Griezmann -- who's been linked with Barcelona -- thrust the first dagger into one of his home nation's clubs in the 21st minute:

 

'Way to rub it in with the 'loser' sign during your celebration, Antoine. Dude's ruthless.

It was a massive blow to Olympique, as they were actually the superior side until then. But that and a fiver will get them a latté.

Then, with Dimitri Payet being subbed early due to an injury -- again, don't dick with the soccer gods, pal -- Rudi Garcia’s side found itself in another difficult situation around the 49th minute.

Griezmann was there to pounce for a second time with a world-class touch over the keeper to make it 2-0.

 

Atlético’s captain Gabi then applied the coup de grace:

 

Not a bad comeback after being turfed outta the Champions League in the group stage.

Despite not making the scoresheet in the final, Los Colchoneros legend Fernando Torres has played his last game for the Spaniard.

Alongside Gabi, Torres lifted the Euro Cup trophy, ending his time at Atlético by doing his bit in the campaign that won his first title with his beloved club.

 

As for Payet, there will be other battles.

But on this occasion ...

 

This had better be a lesson learned.