Roma were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to CSKA Sofia in the Europa League group stage on Thursday night.
The Italians sported their brand new third kit tonight and in it, Chris Smalling thought he’d put Roma ahead inside four minutes on his return from Manchester United but for VAR to rule out a perfect comeback.
Sofia wouldn’t be deterred through. Ali Sowe had a couple of curled efforts go amiss from the edge of the box, with the next chance of the game falling to Roma defender Federico Fazio whose headed effort went narrowly wide.
The first-half would peter out though, with the only chance of note coming when Henrikh Mkhitaryan hit the crossbar with a first-time effort to bring a fairly uncontested first period to a close.
Roma boss Paulo Fonseca would use all five of his substitutes in the second-half, but his side wouldn’t bear much effect on what proved to be a stubborn Sofia side tonight.
Borja Mayoral had a headed effort go just wide earlier on, but the next goal-scoring opportunity fell to Sowe once again, who forced a decent save from Pau Lopez in a one-on-one scenario.
The 80-minute mark drew in and this time it was Sofia stopper Gustavo Busatto. Substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini worked some space inside the box before firing a quick shot towards goal, which was dealt with by the Brazilian Busatto.
Edin Dzeko came off the bench midway through the half and had the best chance of the game to put Roma ahead, but instead, his double effort was met both times by Busatto and brought about five minutes of added time.
Nothing would avail from those remaining minutes though and Roma would end up settling for the point; a good performance from Sofia, but a point is enough for Roma to remain joint top of Group A, second to CFR Cluj by the single goal.
MATCH REPORT
October 29, 2020 – Europa League 2020-21 Group Stage
ROMA-CSKA SOFIA 0-0
 |
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Pau Lopez; Fazio, Smalling (56′ Juan Jesus), Kumbulla; Bruno Peres, Villar, Cristante, Spinazzola (46′ Karsdorp); Carles Perez (75′ Pellegrini), Mkhitaryan (46′ Pedro); Borja Mayoral (70′ st Dzeko) (Mirante, Boer, Ibanez, Veretout, Milanese, Zalewski) Coach: Fonseca |
 |
CSKA SOFIA (4-2-3-1): Busatto; Vion (89′ Turitsov), Antov, Galabov, Mazikou; Tiago Rodrigues (81′ Geferson), Youga (81′ Beltrame); Sinclair (65′ Henrique), Sankharé (89′ Ahmedov), Yomov; Sowe (Evtimov, Zanev, Carey, Smolenski, Donchev, Keita, Mitkov, Kuric, Yordabov) Coach: Morales |
REFEREE: Kulbakov (Belarus)
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Bruno Peres, Karsdorp, Villar (R), Zanev, Busatto (C); Extra Time: First Half 2′, Second Half 5′
One comment
Comments are closed.