If there is one thing Spaniards are good at it is putting on a show and they did just that in this weeks UEFA Cup final at Glasgow. Seemingly oblivious to the leaden skies, the incessant drizzle and cold wind, Sevilla and Espanyol lit up Glasgow with a match of drama and real quality at Hampden.

Barcelona and Real Madrid may have failed to shine in the Champions League this season, but these two outfits certainly lived up to expectation on a stage where Spanish sides have claimed some of their most memorable triumphs.

Wednesdays match had everything any fan could wish to see at a final: attack-minded football, a brave fightback, extra-time and a heart-stopping finale with a penalty shoot-out. In the end, the hero was Andres Palop. Remember him?

To cap it all the two sets of fans behaved impeccably. Their vociferous and colourful support of their teams created a fantastic atmosphere at Hampden. There was plenty of rivalry, but it was always good natured.

For a country that craves international recognition, European competition remains the true measure of success for Spanish sides and it says a lot for the strength in depth of the Primera Liga that they have won the UEFA Cup three times in the last four seasons.

Spanish sports correspondent Simon Baskett was in Glasgow for the UEFA Cup final