Roma failed to beat Servette on the road in the penultimate round of the Europa League group stages but have still qualified for the knockouts with a game to spare. Despite drawing 1-1 in Geneva, Jose Mourinho’s men have locked down a place in the next phase, though they’re more likely to progress as Group G runners-up.
Following a sluggish start, Roma found their feet at Stade de Geneva, taking the lead midway through the first half as Romelu Lukaku finished with aplomb. However, Giallorossi had numerous chances to kill the match off before halftime, only for their profligacy to haunt them back in the second half.
Chris Bedia took advantage of the visitors’ poor reaction at the back to draw Servette level only five minutes after the break. Roma tried to bounce back in the remainder of the game, but the Swiss outfit fended off the likes of Paulo Dybala and Lukaku to pick up a vital point.
Slavia Prague’s 3-2 victory at Sheriff Tiraspol in the other Group G fixture helped Servette secure a switch to the Europa Conference League knockouts. Roma will appear in the corresponding stage of Europe’s second-tier competition, most likely as runners-up.
To leapfrog Slavia, they’ll need to better the Czech Republic’s champions’ home result against Servette on the final matchday, which looks far-fetched.
Roma (4-4-2)
Mile Svilar – 7
Despite failing to keep a clean sheet for the second Europa League appearance in a row, the second-string Roma goalkeeper had an impressive night. The talented stopper made five saves to prevent further damage.
Zeki Celik – 6
Back to the starting lineup after surrendering his place in Mourinho’s favorite XI to Rick Karsdorp, the Turkish right-back did nothing to dethrone the Dutchman.
Evan Ndicka – 5.5
Another unimpressive performance from the summer acquisition! His disappointing intervention led to Servette’s equalizer.
Diego Llorente – 6.5
Unlike his defensive colleague, the Spaniard put in another promising-looking showing, dominating his rivals in aerial duels while pulling off several crucial tackles.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 5.5
Deployed out of position, the ex-Milan winger suffered in Geneva, struggling to impact the game in the front third while showing signs of weakness when asked to defend.
Houssem Aouar – 5.5
Whatever’s going on with the new Roma playmaker, it can’t encourage the Giallorossi supporters. Mourinho trusted him with the keys to his midfield, but the former Lyon man failed to deliver again.
Leandro Paredes – 6.5
The Argentine was the heart and soul of the visiting side’s build-up play. Whenever Roma had problems against Servette’s high press, he was there to bail them out with quick thinking and inch-perfect passes.
Edoardo Bove – 6
One thing is for sure – this kid doesn’t lack energy. His workload is outstanding, but it’s a shame he couldn’t do anything noteworthy in front of goal.
Bryan Cristante – 6
It was another day in the office for the deep-lying midfielder. His tireless runs in the center of the park helped Roma dominate possession in the first half, yet he ran out of steam beyond halftime.
Paulo Dybala – 5.5
After a match-winning display against Udinese, the quick-silver forward performed well beyond his standard this evening. He was supposed to be the visitors’ cutting edge, but things didn’t go his way.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
Despite breaking the deadlock with a composed finish, it’s unfathomable how he failed to make it 2-0 in the first half, spurning a 100% chance from point-blank.
Substitutes
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6
Took Aouar’s place but picked up where his predecessor left off, delivering an atypically underwhelming performance.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
Offered stability and depth on the left-hand side since coming on.
Andrea Belotti – N/A
Renato Sanches – N/A
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