Villarreal fall to the Italian side in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32
Villarreal lost to AS Roma at the Estadio de la Cerámica in the first leg of the Round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League (0-4). The Italian sides goals were scored by Emerson Palmieri and Dzeko (3).
Both teams started intensely, with the opposition’s goal in mind. However, both sides defences were solid and prevented any clear chances on goal until 20 minutes in.
Villarreal were the first to strike. After great team play, with plenty of one-twos, Samu Castillejo finished it off with a powerful shot that went just over (m. 23). The Yellows were well positioned on the pitch, although they struggled to create danger against the solid Italian back line.
Just before the half an hour mark Bruno played a fantastic long ball forward to Mario whose header was too weak to beat Becker, while seconds later Dzeko tried the same at the other end but Asenjo was also equal to it. This was the prelude to the opening goal.
Emerson Palmieri dispossessed Samu Castillejo on the right wing, dribbled forward and hit a cracker of a strike into the top corner. Unstoppable. It was time to make a comeback for the Yellows.
The Submarine entered the field of play confidently in the second half, sure that they were going to turn the scoreline around. Fran Escribá’s men hunted down Alisson Becker’s goal, predominantly with shots from long range. A special mention must be given to some great solo play by Cédric Bakambu, who weaved his way in and out of AS Roma defenders on the edge of the box before firing his shot just wide.
The equalizer seemed to be on its way, but it was the visitors who got the second. Salah, who had just come on, broke down the left wing and sent in a driven cross to Dzeko, who tricked Musacchio and slotted the ball past Asenjo.
The 0-3 was courtesy of Dzeko once again. The Bosnian striker got on the end of a long ball and beat Asenjo with a shot that came off the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line. The fourth and final goal for the Italians saw Dzeko complete his hat-trick, as the forward fired the ball home with a left-footed strike across goal.
The second leg of the Round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League will be played next Thursday 23rd February at the Olímpico de Roma stadium (7pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Víctor Ruiz, Jaume Costa; Jonathan dos Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Samu Castillejo (Cheryshev, m. 66); Sansone (Santos Borré, m. 81) and Bakambu (Adrián, m. 65).
AS Roma: Alisson Becker; Manolas, Fazio, Rüdiger (Juan, m. 70); Bruno Peres, De Rossi, Strootman, Emerson Palmieri; Nainggolan (Paredes, m. 89), El Shaarawy (Salah, m. 61); and Dzeko.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 31: Emerson Palmieri. 0-2. Min. 64: Dzeko. 0-3. Min. 78: Dzeko. 0-4. Min. 85: Dzeko.
Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED). Cautioned: Mario for Villarreal; and Bruno Peres for AS Roma.
Match Information: Match corresponding to the Round of 32 of the UEFA Europa, played at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 17,987 spectators.
