Compared to the first match, the team coaches made several changes in the lineup. At Brighton, Verbruggen came on in the goal instead of Steele, and there was also a change on the left flank of defense. De Rossi, in turn, completely changed the attacking trio, and also gave rest to the author of the miracle assist in Rome, Leandro Paredes.
As expected, Brighton started vigorously. However, the guests stopped attempts to enter free space thanks to competent pressing.
The truly dangerous moments in the match appeared in the second half of the half. In the 22nd minute, Serdar Azmun scored a spectacular goal with a biscicle, but the goal was canceled due to Celik being offside. However, this referee’s decision did not satisfy Daniele De Rossi – the coach received a yellow card for his violent reaction.
The most active in the attack in the first half of the match for the hosts was Gilmour, who time following time created an edge at the Roma goal. However, another player scored a goal.
In the 37th minute, Welbeck took advantage of the space that appeared – the forward accelerated the attack, passed it to the left to Estupiñan, received the ball back, and beautifully placed it into the right top corner. Class is class.
Before the end of the half, the screen showed Mauricio Pochettino sitting in the VIP box. Considering the transfer history of the relationship between Chelsea and Brighton, we can safely assume that the Blues coach is already in full swing in search of strengthening the squad for next season.
The second half continued at approximately the same pace as at the end of the first. The speed in the attacking actions of the home team’s wingers has just slowed down a bit. This did not go unnoticed by De Zerbi – Fati and Buonanotte entered the field.
In the 60th minute, Spinazzola almost buried hope in the confrontation. The lateral made a great solo pass, but delivered the final blow to the crossbar. Brighton’s response immediately followed – another cross ended with a point-blank header from Adingr, but Svilar managed to form up and pass the ball for a corner.
It’s worth paying tribute to De Zerbi’s charges. During the remaining time of the match, Brighton did not stop, and until the last tried to revive the intrigue in the confrontation. True, the hosts had little success “on the ground”. The Seagulls’ main weapon was crosses, but the lack of tall players in attack other than Welbeck prevented them from taking full advantage. In general, this match can be considered the quintessence of the English club’s recent game. Much creation – little implementation. And we also must not forget regarding individual mistakes in defense.
Thus, Roma are now two steps away from reaching a second consecutive Europa League final, and Daniele De Rossi loses for the first time as Wolves manager. However, this is unlikely to have any impact on the team’s mood, given the overall outcome of the confrontation.
Europa League. 1/8 finals (return match)
Brighton. “Amex”
Chief referee: Felix Zweier (Germany)
Brighton – Roma 1:0 (first match – 0:4)
Goals: Welbeck 37
“Brighton”: Verbruggen – Lempti (Igor 61), van Hecke, Dank, Estupiñan (Ferguson 61) – Gilmour (Baleba 87), Gros – Lallana (Buonanotte 54), Adingra, Enciso (Fati 54) – Welbeck
“Roma”: Svilar – Celik, Mancini, Ndika, Spinaccola – Cristante, Bove, Pellegrini – Baldanci (Auar 83), Zalevsky (Llorente 74), Azmun (Kosta 90+1)
Warnings: Lempti 33, Estupinyan 40 – Mancini 12, Cristante 35, Azmun 40, Svilar 45+1, Celik 86
