The first penalty shootout of this season in European competition came in the stellar tie of the Europa League round of 16: Rome – Feyenoord. After 1-1 in regulation time (and 1-1 in the first leg), the Italian team triumphed from the spot. De Rossi’s men will be in this Friday’s draw (12:00 p.m.) for the round of 16 of the Europa League and beat Feyenoord in Europe for the third consecutive season.
It was a beautiful and very even match that started in a frenetic manner. After six minutes, the Olympic team was silent due to a goal from Santiago Giménez. The Romans asked for a hand… but the Mexican scored with his shoulder. It was valid.
Roma, however, reacted quickly and soon tied with a beautiful goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini. De Rossi’s men, in fact, had a great first half and had the score 2-1 on several occasions. But it didn’t come in.
In the second half the pace of the match slowed down although Roma continued to dominate. The opportunities came in dribs and drabs: the nerves set in and the legs weakened. Nobody wanted to lose. We were going to extra time at the Olympic Stadium.
That dynamic continued in overtime. A Feyenoord that started better but was diluted in the final stretch against a Roma that grew. Both, however, without sufficient strength to create opportunities of excessive danger. Penalties were inevitable.
And these were for Roma despite Lukaku’s failure. Mile Svilar was the hero and he pulled out two tremendous hands to put the capital’s team in the round of 16.