ARSENE WENGER, here’s what you could have won.
The Arsenal boss had dreamed of ending his 22-year reign with his first European trophy in his final match in charge.
But defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals meant Wenger signed off at the Emirates empty-handed.
And like thousands of other Gunners fans, he was forced to watch on telly as an Antoine Griezmann double and a late strike from Gabi gave Atletico another major trophy for suspended coach Diego Simeone.
This was Griezmann’s first visit to the Stade de Lyon since his two goals had knocked the Republic of Ireland out of Euro 2016.
And his joy was in stark contrast to the misery of Marseille skipper Dmitri Payet, who left the pitch in tears with his World Cup place in serious doubt.
For Marseille, this was their 19th Europa League match of a tortuous campaign which started in the qualifiers all the way back in July.
Atletico had only dropped into the competition at the knock-out stages after finishing behind Chelsea and Roma in their Champions League group.
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But the Spaniards were quick to justify the bookies’ faith in them in a one-sided final won at a second-half stroll.
Simeone was again absent from the technical area as he is serving a four-match UEFA ban for abusing the ref during the semi-final at Arsenal.
Yet his bulky assistant German Burgos provided an even more intimidating presence on the touchline as his team started sluggishly.
They should have been behind after just four minutes when their defence was pierced by a delicious through ball from Payet.
But striker Valere Germain was unable to make the most of his opportunity and sidefooted his shot hurriedly over.
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Payet’s sixth minute free-kick caused further discomfort for Atletico, dropping for Adil Rami to turn and fire just wide from the edge of the area.
Yet as Arsenal found to their cost in the semi-finals, Atletico are at their most dangerous when they appear to be on the back foot.
And so it proved once again as they were gifted a 21st minute lead which knocked the stuffing out of Marseille.
Andre Zambo Anguissa’s dreadful mis-control was seized on by Atletico skipper Gabi, whose first time pass presented Griezmann with a free run on goal.
The French international striker might have grown up as a Marseille fan but showed no mercy to his boyhood club with an unerring finish past keeper Steve Mandanda.
There is no better team than Atletico at hanging on to a lead and Marseielle’s prospects suffered a further blow when Payet limped off in the 31st minute.
The former West Ham playmaker had been struggling with a thigh problem coming into the final and was in tears as he departed to a consoling kiss on the cheek from Griezmann.
The fact that France boss Didier Deschamps names his World Cup squad on Thursday will leave Payet in even greater need of sympathy.
Yet there are no doubts that Griezmann will be leading the line for Deschamps in Russia next month after another awesome demonstration of his exceptional finishing skills.
And any ideas of a Marseille comeback were dashed in the 49th minute when Koke’s pass sent the ruthless Griezmann away again to dink his shot beyond the advancing Mandanda.
It was Griezmann’s 29th goal of the season for Atletico and possibly his last for the club given Barcelona’s determination to pair him with Messi and Suarez at the Nou Camp next season.
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Fulham flop Kostas Mitroglou hit the post with a late header for Marseille but it was never going to deny Atletico their third Europa League triumph in the last eight years.
Gabi then pounced with moments remaining before Fernando Torres was introduced to great cheers in his final appearance for Atletico.
Perhaps UEFA should just let them keep the trophy and give someone else a chance next year. Arsenal maybe?
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