Roma made a valiant attempt to overhaul a two-goal deficit against Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie. However, the Italians’ epic comeback collapsed in the dying embers as Xabi Alonso’s side canceled the visitors’ 2-0 lead to make history and avenge last season’s elimination.
After a 2-0 first-leg loss at the Stadio Olimpico, not even the most die-hard Roma fans believed Daniele De Rossi’s side could claw their way back into this tie. But Leandro Paredes’ first-half penalty offered Giallorossi a fighting chance, even though Leverkusen dominated the game and wasted numerous presentable chances.
Paredes doubled his goal tally midway through the second half from another spot-kick. When it looked like Roma could take the match to extra time, Gianluca Mancini scored one of the most unfortunate own goals in European football this season, putting De Rossi’s team in front of a near-impossible task down the final stretch.
With the clock ticking, Roma threw all the bodies forward in search of an elusive third goal, leaving acres of space behind. Leverkusen knew how to punish the Italians’ high lines as Josip Stanisic bagged a 97th-minute equalizer to extend Die Werkself’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 49, eclipsing Benfica’s European record of 48.
Roma waved goodbye to continental action with dignity, and it’ll be up to their Serie A rivals, Atalanta, to avenge their exit in the grand final later in May. Without further ado, let’s look at our ratings.
Roma (4-3-3)
Mile Svilar – 8
An insane performance from the Serbian stopper was the only thing that kept Roma in this tie until the final seconds. He made 11 saves in one of the best goalkeeping showings this season.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 5
The versatile defender had a rough start to the game before picking up an early injury that forced De Rossi to sub him off halfway through the first half.
Gianluca Mancini – 7.5
Despite sealing Roma’s fate with a heartbreaking own goal, the dependable center-back was one of the best visiting players tonight, making numerous vital blocks and clearances.
Evan Ndicka – 7
Like his defensive partner, the Ivorian was superb for large patches, though he had occasional slip-ups, especially in one-on-one duels against Adam Hlozek.
Angelino – 6
His attacking contribution was lacking this evening, but he left his heart and soul on the pitch. Jeremie Frimpong’s devastating pace gave him a nightmare.
Bryan Cristante – 6
Other than an energetic approach in his opening third, the Italian was a marginal figure, particularly when Roma were in possession.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6.5
It’s not like the illustrious playmaker had a game to remember. However, he was Roma’s driving force in the midfield the whole match.
Leandro Paredes – 7.5
In addition to putting away two penalties, the Argentine did a stellar job in defense and wasn’t afraid of taking responsibility in the build-up.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6.5
De Rossi switched him to the left in the first half to help keep Frimpong quiet, which inevitably took its toll on his attacking output, though he nearly scored a delightful curler in the second half.
Sardar Azmoun – 6
Hadn’t he drawn a penalty in the first half, this would’ve been a near-anonymous performance from the Leverkusen loanee.
Romelu Lukaku – 6
In a carbon copy of the first leg, the Belgian fought bravely for every possession, but a lack of creativity from his teammates denied him a chance to trouble the Leverkusen keeper.
Substitutes
Nicola Zalewski – 4
Edoardo Bove – 5.5
Chris Smalling – 5.5
Tammy Abraham – 5
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |