The Belgian forward opened the scoring in Cologne but also had a major part in Sevilla’s winner that sealed a 3-2 victory for the six-time champions
Antonio Conte had argued before Friday’s Europa League showdown with Sevilla that when it comes to finals, “we only remember those who win”.
Everyone connected with Inter though, will probably never forget what unfolded on a dramatic night in Cologne.
Romelu Lukaku, for example, is made of stern stuff; he has known his fair share of struggle in his life. But this 3-2 defeat is likely to weigh heavily on his mind for a long time to come.
He had dreamed of playing for Inter since watching Ronaldo inspire the Italian club to victory in the 1998 final with a mesmerising display against Lazio.
Lukaku, though, also concluded the scoring, unluckily deflecting an overhead kick from Diego Carlos into his own net with just 16 minutes remaining.
That the Brazilian shouldn’t have even been on the field only added insult to injury.
It was Diego Carlos who had taken Lukaku down in the area as he raced away from the Brazilian just five minutes into the game.
Remarkably, the defender was only shown a yellow card by referee Danny Makkelie – despite cynically denying Lukaku a clear goalscoring chance.
Despite the injustice, Lukaku and Inter will probably still end up blaming themselves for this defeat.
