Europa League: Lille took maximum points in Rome

Ligue 1 side Lille produced a dogged performance to snatch maximum points against AS Roma at the Stadium Olimpico in the UEFA Europa League.

The Gialorossi had opportunities to win the tie 1-0, but their misfortunes were summarised by a series of three penalty saves from the Lille goalkeeper, Ozer, who denied Roma on three attempts after they had to be retaken due to encroachment.

The visitors took the lead, leading to silence among the home crowd after just six minutes, when Arnar Haraldsson pounced on a loose ball in the box and calmly finished it.

Roma made a bright start as Matias Soulé tested the defence inside two minutes, but the Icelandic forward’s strike shifted the momentum.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side then continues to press hard for an equaliser. The Lille defence stood firm to block Soulé and Evan Ferguson’s shots, while Ozer made a fine save from  Lorenzo Pellegrini from distance midway through the half.

The Giallorossi pressure almost yielded a result in the 35th minutes as they went agonisingly close when Kostas Tsimikas and Neil El Aynaoui both had their shots denied before Mandi produced a superb clearance off the line.

Lille continued their defence with Roma dominating possession, but could not find the breakthrough.  Lille then clung onto their slender advantage heading into the second half.

The Gialorossi continue their search for the equaliser after the interval but were left frustrated as Lille held firm to claim a narrow 1-0 victory at the Olimpico.

The Giallorossi had chances through Lorenzo Pellegrini and Evan Ferguson early in the second half, but both shots were off target.

Gian Piero Gasperini made a flurry of changes, bringing in El Shaarawy, Mancini, Kone, and later Dovbyk, but the Lille defence stood tall.

As Roma continued their attack, Lille looked dangerous on the counter and tested Roma’s backline from set-pieces.

Ozer was again called to action as he made a crucial save from Matias Soulé’s long-range strike.

Roma got a lifeline, which was their best chance with ten minutes to go, when VAR awarded a penalty for a handball by Mandi. 

Substitute Dovbyk couldn’t beat Ozer from the spot as the penalty was saved. However, it was retaken due to encroachment. 

Ozer again saved the second spot kick before it had to be retaken due to the same rule. Soule took the third penalty and was again denied by the Lille shot-stopper.

Despite relentless pressure, Lille stood firm as Roma were unable to break through, and the visitors took all three points.