Players Who Have Scored in Both the Champions League and Europa League Final
By Ross Jackson
Sevilla’s 3-2 win over Inter in the Europa League final had just about everything you could hope for in a major European showpiece.
Five goals, a penalty, a player scoring at both ends, dubious refereeing decisions and Ever Banega questioning Antonio Conte’s miraculously blossoming hairline (ok maybe the last one falls into the ‘unexpected bonus’ category, but a worthy addition nonetheless).
Amid this barnstormer of a contest, one impressive stat went a little under the radar, as Diego Godin joined an illustrious roll of honour in becoming just the sixth player to score in both the Champions League final and the Europa League final (or European Cup and UEFA Cup in old money).
However, despite five players achieving the feat before him, Godin did become the first player to score in both showpieces and end up on the losing side on both occasions, after his goal for Atleti against Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final ultimately proved futile, with Diego Simeone’s men losing 4-1 in extra time.
Let’s take a look at the other five big-game players to score in both finals and see whether their individual glory was capped with a winner’s medal.
1. Allan Simonsen
Former Denmark forward Allan Simonsen was a prolific goalscorer throughout his 18-year career, so it’s no surprise to see him on this list.
His goals in the 1975 and 1979 UEFA Cup final for Borussia Mönchengladbach saw the German side triumph on both occasions.
However, despite his lofty goal return and impressive list of employers including Spanish behemoths Barcelona, the European Cup was one trophy which would elude him, as his equaliser against Liverpool for Mönchengladbach in 1977 proved to be in vain after the Reds hit back to win 3-1 in Rome.
2. Dmitri Alenichev
Despite spending just four seasons with Porto, Dmitri Alenichev enjoyed a hugely fruitful spell with the Portuguese side.
His goal in the 2003 UEFA Cup final handed Porto the lead against Scottish giants Celtic, before Henrik Larsson's goal forced the game into extra time. However, José Mourinho was not to be denied his maiden piece of European silverware as a manger, as Brazilian striker Derlei struck the winner.
The following year Porto would taste success in the Champions League, and yet again Alenichev was at the forefront of the triumph, as his late strike sealed a 3-0 win for the Portuguese champions against Monaco.
3. Hernan Crespo
Hernan Crespo had the pleasure of being part of that glorious Parma side of the late 90s, including Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro.
So it's no surprise to hear the club tasted European glory, as Crespo's goal kicked off their emphatic 3-0 win over Marseille in the 1999 UEFA Cup final.
However, despite being part of a star-studded AC Milan side six years later, the former Argentina international wouldn't enjoy such a fruitful final against Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League.
Despite racing into a 3-0 lead - with his goal the pick of the bunch - Crespo would ultimately leave Istanbul with a runners-up medal after the Reds staged a nigh-on impossible comeback - more on that in a second.
4. Steven Gerrard
The ultimate clutch moment player (well, in a Liverpool shirt at least).
His 16th minute goal against Alaves in the 2001 UEFA Cup final put Gerard Houllier's side in a commanding position, however, the Spanish side hit back and forced the game into extra time.
Eventually the Merseysiders made it over the line thanks to a late own goal as they sealed a cup treble.
Four years later and the England midfielder brought about the demise of Crespo and co.
His looping header shortly after half-time against AC Milan gave his side a foothold in the game at 3-1, with Rafael Benitez's men delivering the most unlikely of comebacks to be crowned Champions League winners.
5. Pedro
Pedro's time at Barcelona was littered with silverware, including three Champions Leagues.
The second of those European triumphs came in 2011, as the Spaniard opened the scoring against Manchester United at Wembley.
Despite a Wayne Rooney equaliser, Sir Alex Ferguson's men were overpowered by the mighty Barça and Pep Guardiola's men prevailed.
Having left the Catalan giants for Chelsea in 2015, Pedro would again go on to experience European success, this time in the 2019 Europa League.
His goal in the final put the Blues 2-0 ahead on the night, as they eventually ran out 4-1 winners against a poor Arsenal side.