A GREAT STORY ALWAYS DESERVES A HAPPY ENDING

Barely 15 years ago, Sevillistas were the sort of fans who would watch Copa del Rey finals or European finals and ask themselves the same question: When is it our turn? Eindhoven and all its mysticism answered that question and the Sevillistas set out to enjoy that incredible day which, miraculously, was not a one-off. It was already a triumph in itself, as Middlesbrough, while not one of the giants of English football at that halfway point in the first decade of the century, were also no less than Sevilla

The fans travelled in their numbers to Holland to enjoy themselves and, if they could win the cup, even better. Of course, it was an almost artificial desire, as no Sevillista really knew what it would be like to lift European silverware and put themselves on the world footballing stage. Since that day in 2006, so many things have happened, some of them sad, of course, but the overwhelming majority have been so unbelievably positive that it is still hard to get used to the idea. The Eindhoven final was the first in the modern era for Sevilla and tonight's final in Cologne will be number 19. Yes, 19 finals since 2006. 

It is impossible not to look back on the journey these past 16 years

Little can be said, that has not already been written, of the bond between Sevilla and its competition. Middlesbrough were not more than what Sevilla were in 2006, but perhaps Benfica in 2014 and Liverpool in 2016 were. It didn't matter, in the same way that it doesn't matter that Inter are Serie A runners-up. It doesn't matter that they won their semi final by five goals and have one of the strongest teams in Europe. It is true that Sevilla have already earned an "A*" for this unparalleled season. Whatever happens tonight, all that anyone can do is stand and applaud this squad who have demonstrated that, even in the bad times, they are capable of becoming even stronger. 

However, if there is something we Sevillistas are sure of is that, by settling for the "A*", our recent history would not have been what it is. If there is something that has made Sevilla great, it is that its people, those on in the pitch and the offices, and those now in the empty stands, have never wanted to stop and contemplate what has been achieved. They have always seen an even greater challenge on the horizon and have gone for it, however steep it may seem in the distance. Tonight, Sevilla face one of those mountains, which may have seemed impossible to climb in another era. 

Sevilla face one of those mountains, which may have seemed impossible to climb in another era

Of course, there is one aspect to this final which will be very different. The Sevilla FC fans, who never abandoned the lads on the pitch, will have to watch from home and on the television. A very painful circumstance for everyone, but one that only confirms that the connection with the team goes far beyond what it normally would. As if they were among the most boisterous fans, the players on the bench and even those in the directors' box have been that point of connection with the players who have always had their people on their minds. They know what they are fighting for and tonight, more than ever, they will do it again. 

It goes without saying that, on a day like today, there is almost no need to refer to what will happen on the pitch. As the hours go by, the Sevillista will ask themselves again and again how calm they could be right now. At least, at these heights in the story, it's not something that will catch a fan off guard after so many butterflies like these over the years, past, present and future. It's a day to suffer and hopefully to enjoy a story that, little by little, was glimpsing its happy ending. Whatever today's ending is meant to be, well, at least it's only football. Let's get number six!