Lazio captain Ciro Immobile proved the hero in Rome as Maurizio Sarri’s side worked hard to secure a tight 1-0 win over Feyenoord.
The Biancocelesti’s European campaign started well, drawing Atletico Madrid and beating Celtic, but things looked far more difficult in their third outing, a 3-1 loss to the Eredivisie outfit. The result threatened Lazio’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages, piling the pressure on.
Feyenoord proved a difficult opponent for Lazio last season as well and this term was no different, setting up a tough task for the home side in front of a busy Stadio Olimpico.
The first 30 minutes of the Champions League clash was an end-to-end affair, with Lazio and Feyenoord both sharing a handful of chances. Strong work from Ivan Provedel protected the home net, keeping things goalless as the first half ticked by.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Lazio found a breakthrough thanks to club captain Immobile, whose run was perfectly caught by a floated ball from Felipe Anderson. The 33-year-old sprinted into the box and darted around Justin Bijlow, allowing him to strike the ball into an open net.
The second half saw Feyenoord take control of the match and begin dominating play, pilling the pressure on a focused Lazio. Chance after chance came, but no equaliser could be found.
The Biancocelesti stood firm and managed to see out their slim lead, working hard defensively to secure a vital Champions League victory.
