Roma went into their Europa League game against Young Boys as Group A leaders and managed to keep their title after a 3-1 win. They needed a win or draw to make the trip to Bulgaria next week inconsequential and delivered the goods.
Paulo Fonseca’s team were dismantled by Napoli in Serie A and did not want to repeat their hapless outing. The Partenopei put them to the sword and brought their eleven-match unbeaten run to a close. Thus, Roma had the chance to bounce back with a bang against their Swiss rivals.
However, Young Boys had no plans of being pushovers in the fight for the bragging rights. They got the lead through Jean Pierre Nsame but could not hold on to it. Roma fired back through Borja Mayoral, Riccardo Calafiori, and Edin Dzeko to comfortably secure the three points on offer.
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— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) December 3, 2020
? La nostra formazione per #RomaYB#ASRoma #UEL pic.twitter.com/9MFBgGiWKH
Roma looked the more confident side to break the deadlock. Bruno Peres brought David Von Ballmoos in action from a free-kick. Pedro Rodriguez was next to try his luck, but his shot from inside the box was easily gathered by the former Switzerland U-20 international. The Spaniard was denied again by Von Ballmoos, his chip going straight in the keeper’s hands.
While the Giallorossi spurned their chances, Young Boys were more efficient with theirs. Jordan Lefort’s long pass found Jean Pierre Nsame, who went on a brilliant solo run. He made it into the box, evading advances from Roma’s defense before unleashing a fierce strike that had no answer from Pau Lopez.
The tall order had gotten taller for Paulo Fonseca, who started the game without Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. However, he was saved a toxic half-time speech as the Romans built pressure as the first half came to a close. In the end, he only had to thank Borja Mayoral. Carles Perez found Pedro inside the box, but again his effort from inside the box was saved by Von Ballmoos. Fortunately, the rebound fell in Mayoral’s path, who effortlessly headed it home to equalize.
STUPENDO pic.twitter.com/QCQPufmqsf
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) December 3, 2020
The Giallarossi started the second half looking for the kill. Pedro came off for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Armenian continuing off from where the Spaniard left. He would test the goalkeeper twice but would be denied. The deadlock was broken by 18-year-old Riccardo Calafiori, who pounced on a poor free-kick clearance. His resulting strong shot went into the top right corner like a rocket to give Roma the lead.
Pleased with the goal, Fonseca sent on Edin Dzeko and Lorenzo Pellegrini to give them much needed playing minutes. Soon Federico Fazio would also be brought on. With all five substitutes exhausted, Roma had teething issues as the players kept on giving away possession and allowed Young Boys’ to attack.
They would regain their shape and manage to finish off the game. Just after Felix Mambimbi had flushed high from his solo run, Roma hit Young Boys on the counter. Bruno Peres managed to keep the ball inside and sent an enticing cross into the box. Dzeko took note of the ball’s trajectory and fired a first-time effort to make it 3-1.
There was more drama in the game, just not goal mouth. Henrikh Mkhitaryan clipped Mohamed Camara twice on the heels at which the Guinean lashed out. After failing to hold him off, he punched the Roman attacker. Mkhitaryan went to the ground but stood up to Camara standing over him. The referee Fran Jovic swiftly gave the Young Boys player his marching orders.
The resulting minutes saw Roma keep hold of the ball while the Swiss side ran on fumes. However, they managed to keep the score as is, giving themselves a fighting chance of progressing to Round of 32. They need a point against CFR Cluj to progress. Meanwhile, Roma claimed top honors and secured their place in the knockout rounds.
MATCH REPORT
December 3, 2020 – Europa League 2020-21 Group Stage
ROMA-YOUNG BOYS 3-1
SCORERS: 34′ Nsame (Y), 44′ Borja Mayoral (R), 59′ Calafiori (R), 81′ Dzeko (R)
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ROMA (3-4-2-1): Pau Lopez; Ibanez (46′ Spinazzola), Cristante (65′ Fazio), Juan Jesus; Bruno Peres, Villar (60′ Pellegrini), Diawara, Calafiori; Carles Perez, Pedro (46′ Mkhitaryan); Borja Mayoral (60′ Dzeko) (Mirante, Berti, Karsdorp, Kumbulla, Bove, Milanese, Ciervo) Coach: Fonseca |
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YOUNG BOYS (5-3-2): Von Ballmoos; Hefti, Camara, Zesiger, Lefort, Garcia (68′ Elia); Aebischer (67′ Gaudino), Rieder (58′ Sierro), Ngamaleu (76′ Mambimbi); Fassnacht, Nsame (Faivre, Neuenschwander, Sulejamani, Burgy, Siebatcheu, Maier, Maceiras) Coach: Seoane |
REFEREE: Jovic (Croatia)
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Calafiori (R), Elia (Y); Red Card: Camara (Y); Extra Time: First Half 2′, Second Half 3′
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