Sevilla routs Middlesbrough in UEFA Cup final

Sevilla capped a season in which it celebrated its centenary by lifting the UEFA Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca scored a pair of goals for Sevilla, which still has an outside chance to qualify for Champions League play next season.

The Spanish side held a 1-0 lead at halftime after a headed goal by Luis Fabiano. As promised, Middlesbrough coach Steve McClaren - soon to be England's coach - made some attacking substitutions in a bid to turn around the match as the English side had in its wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

But this time, there was no spirited comeback from Boro - only a tame surrender as Sevilla ran riot. Two late goals from Maresca and another from substitute Frederic Kanoute turned the outcome into a rout.

"It's disappointing," said McClaren, who is taking over as England's coach after the World Cup. "We had our moments, but it wasn't our night. It's been a fantastic run but tonight was one game too far."

Boro had come back to beat Basle in the quarterfinals when it looked impossible and did it again in the semifinals against Steaua Bucharest, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

But there was no miracle in Holland, and McClaren will not end his five-year reign as Boro boss with another trophy. He brought the club its first piece of silverware when he won the Carling Cup in 2004.

Perhaps it was the nerves of the club's first European final or the fatigue of its 64th game of the season on a hot night in Holland. But Boro allowed Sevilla to dominate the first half.

It was no surprise when Fabiano broke through. Defender Chris Riggott had made two vital interceptions early in the game but was caught napping. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - playing in a protective mask to shield his recently broken cheekbone - had no chance as the ball flashed into his net off the foot of the post.

Middlesbrough's only first-half effort of note was a free kick from Fabio Rochemback in the sixth minute which was parried by goalkeeper Andres Palop.

After McClaren went for offense, Palop denied Mark Viduka the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

In the 78th minute, Schwarzer saved Kanoute's shot but could not hold it. The rebound rolled kindly into the path of Maresca, who buried it.

Maresca tallied his second goal four minutes from time and Kanoute tapped in from close range as Boro crumbled.