After a thrilling season, the Europa League reaches its climax as Marseille meet Atletico Madrid in Lyon for the final.
Both teams have secured Champions League football for next season but Marseille can upgrade their qualification spot from the third qualifying round to group stage with victory here.
Atletico meanwhile have pedigree for reach an European final in even-numbered years, winning their two previous appearances in this competition before twice finishing runner up in Champions League finals.
Team news
Marseille are set to be without Rolando as the defender struggles to overcome a knock.
France’s Dimitri Payet however is doubtful with an unspecified issue.
Atletico Madrid will have Sime Vrsaljko back from suspension here but Juanfran could keep his place in the starting line-up.
Filipe Luis is meanwhile back from a leg injury in time for the final.
Stats
- These teams have met just twice before, in 2008-09 Champions League group stage with Atletico winning at home before drawing 0-0 in Marseille (W1 D1).
- Atletico have won their last two Europa League finals in 2008-09 and 2011-12 against Fulham and Athletic Bilbao respectively.
- When this competition was known as UEFA Cup, Marseille won on two occasions.
Prediction
Both teams have fantastic options in attack so expect a thriller but Atletico know what is needed to win this competition.
For that reason, I am backing the Spaniards to do this with late winner.
Prediction: Marseille 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Result: Marseille 0-3 Atletico Madrid