After the draw took place in March, club football was on hold because of the international break. This past weekend, club football returned to all leagues and we also saw the return of the Champions League and Europa League. Lazio vs Salzburg was hotly anticipated as one of the fixtures of the week and no doubt Inzaghi will be delighted; with his side picking up the win 4-2.
Lazio vs Salzburg Recap
The first half started well as Lazio took an early lead with Senad Lulic’s well placed finish. Immobile did initially miss the ball but Lulic was right there behind at the far post ready to finish the job. As most games go for Lazio this season, there was eventually controversy as Basta was shown a yellow card as he fouled Dabur in the box after he made contact with the striker’s face. It was a tough call but the decision was final as the Austrian side tied the game up; with Berisha slotting it in from the penalty spot.
The second half did start well again for Lazio, as Luis Alberto’s through ball into the box found Marco Parolo in the middle who made contact and directed it in the net with a cheeky fancy flick. Lazio seemed in control but unfortunately lost the lead again as Minamino slotted it past Strakosha just minutes after he was subbed on. Lazio eventually reclaimed control of the game as they took a two goal lead, one coming from super sub Felipe Anderson and one from their main man Ciro Immobile.
Overall, a good fight put up by Salzburg but Lazio overcame the pressure and got the job done; taking a 4-2 aggregate lead into next week’s second leg – taking place in Austria. As it stands, Salzburg need a minimum 2-0 win over Lazio in the second leg to see a spot in the Semi-Finals. The next match will see Salzburg’s Xavier Schlager and Diadie Samassekou suspended, for yellow card accumulation. Xavier Schlager for a foul and Diadie Samassekou for protesting against the foul given to Schlager. Now Lazio go into the second leg looking strong, as just 90 minutes and the possibility of extra time and penalties standing in their way of a spot in the Europa League Semi-Final.
Lazio vs Salzburg Match Ratings
Our man of the match for this game was Lucas Leiva – another world class performance by the player on everyone’s lips.
