Sevilla reach Europa League final with the power of red elbow patches

Sevilla scored an away goal at the death of their Europa League semifinal against Valencia to advance to the final on a 3-3 aggregate score. After Sevilla won the first leg 2-0, Valencia stormed back in the second leg. They had a 3-0 lead in the 70th minute, but Stephane M'bia's header in the fifth minute of added time negated Valencia's impressive comeback and put Sevilla in the final against Benfica. And the key to the 2006 and 2007 UEFA Cup winners' dramatic success was obviously their red elbow patches.

The club's official black suits this season feature blood red elbow patches, creating a look that seems more appropriate for a Satan worshiping university professor. But Sevilla manager Unai Emery and his staff wore them during the second leg against Valencia. And though it seemed like they were bringing the club bad luck when Valencia scored in the 14th minute, then benefited from an own goal in the 26th minute and finally took the aggregate lead in the 69th minute, the power of the patches was finally unleashed with M'bia's header.

After seeing what they've done to Valencia, Benfica would be smart to start sewing red elbow patches onto their suits right now if they want to have any chance at winning the final.

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Brooks Peck

is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT