- Servette goes down 4-0 on matchday 2 of the Europa League in Rome.
- After an even start, the goal from Roma star striker Romelu Lukaku fulfills the function of a can opener.
- After the break, AS Roma went from 1-0 to 4-0 within a quarter of an hour against defensively vulnerable “Grenats”.
- In the parallel game in Group G, Slavia Prague defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0.
When the second half kicked off at the Stadio Olimpico, it took exactly 30 seconds before Servette’s hopes of an exploit in Rome were severely dampened. After Geneva’s defense was unable to gain access in the air battle, Andrea Belotti scored ice-cold. The 2-0 win for AS Roma, who were already clearly favourites, seemed like the end was over.
Twice with your head for a hallelujah
Things got even worse for René Weiler’s team. The cause in each case was inadequate behavior in aerial duels:
- 52nd minute: Now it’s getting exciting. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was substituted at half-time, takes the ball directly after a header assist. And delivers the ball wonderfully in the bottom right corner.
- 59th minute: In 53 appearances for the Giallorossi, Belotti only scored 6 goals. A meager return for a center forward. He improved his odds significantly against Servette. After a corner, Belotti’s flying header lands just above the turf behind Jérémy Frick – 4-0.
As a result, Roma took their foot off the accelerator again and Servette was denied a goal of honor on his trip to Rome. Dereck Kutesa came closest with his shot in the 63rd minute. The “Grenats” remain without a point after two rounds in the Europa League.
Started strong – then came Lukaku
The guests from Geneva initially stood up to Roma. Chris Bedia had his first chance after just 21 seconds, but shot the ball past the goal to the left. Miroslav Stevanovic’s deflected shot (10th) also whizzed just past the Roma box. What Servette was missing: a striker on the verge of world-class format. The Romans were able to rely on Romelu Lukaku for the 5th time in the 8th game. Although – or rather because – the Belgian didn’t hit the ball as intended, it rolled into the goal after 21 minutes to make it 1-0. The goal was preceded by an annoying loss of the ball by Nicolas Vouilloz.
The boss acknowledged it in the stands without batting an eye: José Mourinho had to serve a ban after he checked the referee in the underground car park of the Budapest final arena following the loss of the Europa League final against Sevilla had called him a “disgrace”. An hour later, “The Special One” will probably have managed to smile.
The voices for the game
Slavia Prague humiliates Sheriff Tiraspol
In the parallel game in Group G, Slavia Prague achieved their second win – and how. The Czechs immediately defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0. Six different goalscorers scored against the unfortunate Moldovans, who had sensationally beaten Real Madrid around two years ago.
This is how it continues
Servette will be a guest at Sheriff Tiraspol in the duel between the two pointless teams on October 26th. AS Roma asks Slavia Prague to dance for the leader position.