Europa League, Roma smiles: 2-0 to Real Sociedad

A good win, representing an important first step toward the quarterfinals.

Roma beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals. A convincing game for the Giallorossi, who scored one goal in each half and will play for qualification in San Sebastian in a week’s time.

The match at the Stadio Olimpico started with a composed pace, but at the first real chance for goal Roma went ahead: it did so in the 13th minute thanks to El Shaarawy, who on Dybala’s scramble on the right made a 60-meter run and then deposited in the net in acrobatics after Abraham’s assist. Dybala himself looks for the immediate double, but Rico is good in closing, then the guests raise their heads again: Kubo hits the post, then Smalling takes a huge risk in the advance on David Silva. But there is again a great chance for the second Giallorossi goal, missed by Pellegrini.

At the beginning of the second half Roma risked again, but Rui Patricio said no to Rico (also dangerous going forward). However, Belotti, who took over from Abraham, evened the tally of posts and helped to raise the Giallorossi’s center of gravity. In the final minutes there is a further thrill, when Merino misses everything from one-on-one with Rui Patricio. Then, in the 87th minute, another sub that Mourinho had sent on in the second half closed out the game: it was Kumbulla, who netted the doubling ball on Dybala’s corner.