Roma cruise to Europa League semifinal despite early red card against AC Milan

Daniele De Rossi and Gianluca Mancini celebrate a Roma win | Imago

Roma cruise to Europa League semifinal despite early red card against AC Milan

Ayoola Kelechi 22:14 - 18.04.2024

The Gialorossi celebrated the permanent appointment of manager Daniele De Rossi by booking a place in the Europa League semifinals

Roma secured their place in the Europa League semifinals despite being reduced to ten men early in the game against AC Milan in a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.

Goals from Gianluca Mancini and Paulo Dybala were enough to secure a 2-1 win on the night for Roma, despite a late header from AC Milan’s Matteo Gabbia and an early red card for defender Zeki Celik.

How it happened

Right from the kickoff, both teams displayed their physicality, engaging in intense battles all over the pitch. However, it was Roma who struck first, breaking the deadlock before the 15-minute mark. Gianluca Mancini continued his impressive goal-scoring form by slotting home from close range after an initial shot had rebounded off the post.

The home crowd erupted with joy as Roma doubled their lead shortly after. Paulo Dybala unleashed a sensational curler from outside the box, leaving the Milan goalkeeper with no chance as the ball nestled into the back of the net.

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But just when Roma seemed to be cruising towards victory, the tie took a dramatic turn. Roma's Mehmet Zeki Celik received his marching orders after a reckless challenge on Rafael Leão, leaving his team to navigate the remainder of the match with only ten men.

Despite being a man down, Roma displayed resilience and determination, thwarting Milan's attacking efforts with resolute defending. Milan managed to pull one goal back in the dying minutes through Matteo Gabbia's header, but it proved to be too little, too late.

With the final whistle blowing, Roma emerged victorious on the night, securing their spot in the Europa League semifinals. Despite the early setback of a red card, Roma's early goals proved to be enough to see them through to the next stage of the competition.

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