Roma Held to a 1-1 Draw by Lyon in Europa League Quarter-Final First Leg
Fast Start for Roma
AS Roma started the match brightly and took the lead early on when Nicolo Zaniolo fired home a stunning strike from outside the box in the 34th minute.
Lyon Fight Back
Lyon responded well to going behind and leveled the match just before half-time when Moussa Dembele converted a penalty after Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled Karl Toko Ekambi in the area.
Second Half Struggle
The second half was a more even affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to find a winning goal. Roma came closest when Tammy Abraham hit the post in the 75th minute.
Advantage Lyon
The draw gives Lyon a slight advantage ahead of the second leg in France next week. However, Roma will be confident of overturning the deficit at home.
Key Moments
- 34' GOAL: Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma)
- 44' GOAL: Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
- 75' Tammy Abraham (Roma) hits the post
Man of the Match
Nicolo Zaniolo was Roma's standout performer, scoring a stunning goal and causing Lyon's defense problems all night.
What's Next?
The second leg of the quarter-final will be played at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon on Thursday, April 14.
Quotes
"We played well in the first half and deserved to go in front," said Roma coach Jose Mourinho. "But we lost concentration in the second half and allowed Lyon back into the game."
"We're happy with the result," said Lyon coach Peter Bosz. "We knew it would be a difficult game, but we showed great character to come back from behind."
