Lazio booked their place in the Europa League quarter-final thanks to Alessio Romagnoli’s header which earned them a 3-2 win on aggregate over the courageous Viktoria Plzen.
Lazio Starting Lineup
Marco Baroni started with a 4-2-3-1 formation spearheaded by the returning Taty Castellanos, with Gustav Isaksen, Pedro and Mattia Zaccagni behind him. Matias Vecino replaced the suspended Nicolo Rovella in midfield, starting alongside Matteo Guendouzi, while Adam Marusic, Patric, Romagnoli and Nuno Tavares formed the backline.
Goalless First Half
Both sides had their chances in the first half, but Plzen came closer to scoring. A poor pass from Ivan Provedel allowed Matej Vydra to have a crack at goal, but he was denied by the crossbar. Pedro tried to put his name on the scoresheet, but Martin Jedlička was equal to it. In the end, the first half ended goalless, with the Biancocelesti preserving their slim lead on aggregate.
Pavel Sulc Put Plzen in the Lead
After the break, it didn’t take the Czech too long to shock the Stadio Olimpico with the opening goal of the contest. Lukas Kalvac sent a cross from the left side, and Rafiu Durosinmi managed to slip in between Patric and Romagnoli to set up a shot for Pavel Sulc who took his shot exceptionally well, leaving no chance for Provedel.
Alessio Romagnoli Makes It Three in Three
Nevertheless, Lazio managed to find the all-important equalizer that in the 77th minute, thanks to Romagnoli who consolidated his status as the man of the hour. Zaccagni’s corner kick was met by the defender’s header. The goalkeeper scrambled to keep out after hitting the post, but goal-line technology immediately confirmed the goal, prompting an euphoric reaction in the stands.
Historic Feat
Romagnoli has now become the second defender in Lazio history to score in both legs of a European double-encounter. He was only preceded by Roberto Cravero against Lokomotiv Plovdiv who achieved this feat in the first round of the UEFA Cup in 1993/94.
Lazio Reach Quarter Finals
Romagnoli’s goal perfectly summed up the double header, as Lazio did just enough to edge past Plzen despite two not-so-convincing displays. In the end, the 1-1 draw saw the Aquile fly to the quarter-finals thanks to their slim first-leg victory.
Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzen
Goals : 52′ Sulc (V), 77′ Romagnoli (L).
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Marusic, Patric (79′ Gila), Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares (67′ Lazzari); Vecino, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Pedro (79′ Dele-Bashiru), Zaccagni; Castellanos (67′ Dia).
Viktoria Plzen (4-3-3): Jedlicka; Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka, Cadu (79′ Doski); Sulc, Kalvach, Cerv; Vydra (79′ Sojka), Durosinmi (71′ Prince), Memic.
Referee : Danny Makkelie (NED); Assistants: Hessel Steegstra (NED) – Jan de Vries (NED); 4th officer: Marc Nagtegaal (NED); VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED); AVAR: Erwin Blank (NED)
Yellow cards: 2′ Dweh (V), 4′ Marusic (L), 39′ Durosinmi (V), 69′ Vecino (L)
If this is the kind of play we intend to win the trophy with? Then am sorry let’s not get our hopes high. This was a terrible display of poor defensive works, the front line was as toothless as a day old baby. Nothing seem to be working in the middle either.. all we do is pass, pass then do nothing..
Dela, totally agree with you. Yesterday’s match was awful, even though we made it to the next round. I also have my doubts about keeping Pedro for next year. On top of that, I think Isaksen is very inconsistent and too slow for a winger. Players like Lazzari and Marušić have also shown to be unreliable.
We should have signed Casadei, that guy has the potential to become a top midfielder, similar to SMS. Let’s hope we can finish 4th or win the Europa League so we can qualify for the Champions League. Financially, that would really help us, but to be honest, I don’t see it happeni