Lazio have moved onto the Europa Conference League Round of 16 after a wasteful and forgettable draw with CFR Cluj.
The Biancocelesti secured a 1-0 win over their Romanian opposition in the first leg in Rome last week, allowing them to retain a little energy in the second clash amidst their various Serie A obligations.
Lazio came into the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Salernitana and mostly maintained that control against Cluj, playing more than double their opposition’s passes, 498 to 218. They also had the lion’s share of chances, producing an expected goals of 1.85 compared to Cluj’s 1.20.
Although Maurizio Sarri’s side looked in little danger at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu, they were incredibly wasteful in front of goal, missing five big chances, three of which fell to midfielder Matias Vecino.
Ciro Immobile and Luka Romero struggled to show their best, but Felipe Anderson put in a decent shift.
The best player on the night was Lazio centre back Mario Gila, who completed 69 of his 76 passes, won five of his six ground duels and made five interceptions, keeping things solid at the back.
Whilst an ultimately forgettable evening in Europe, it was enough to see Lazio move onto the next stage, where they’ll face Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16.
