Good evening and welcome to a live following of Feyenoord V AS Roma in the Europa League. My name is Max Frankel-Pollen and I will be taking you through the events which take place over the course of the this first legged match. I will also be informing you of the major news which breaks from the other Europa League games, taking place at the same time. These matches include – Galatasaray V Sparta Prague, Shakhtar V Marseille and Young Boys V Sporting Lisbon.
Since finishing second in their Europa League group, Roma have sacked ex manager Jose Mourinho, replacing him with club legend Daniele De Rossi. The Italian was victorious in his opening three matches, yet suffered his first defeat last weekend to Inter.
After winning the Erevedisie last season, Arne Slot’s Feyenoord sit second in the league table this campaign, ten points behind leaders PSV. Feyenoord are looking to take revenge on Roma tonight for their Conference League final defeat in May 2022 as well as defeat in the Europa League last season, knocking them out of the competition.
The Roma line up for the match is as follows.
The Feyenoord line up to take the pitch is below.
1′ Kick off – We are underway at the Stadium De Kuip in front of a restless and excited home crowd.
3′ The match has started with real intensity. Both sides have been direct on the ball, looking to give their team an early advanatge.
7′ Yankubah Minteh comes close to knicking the ball from Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar. Instead Minteh concedes a foul. Fine margins.
10′ Paulo Dybala threads a ball through the defensive line, leaving Lorenzo Pelligrini one on one with the goalkeeper. Timon Wellenreuther stands his ground and makes up the distance to deny the Italian.
Embed from Getty ImagesA brilliant piece of creativity from the Argentine to give his teammate a chance to open the scoring.
14′ Romelu Lukaku smartly uses his body to pin the defender before rolling his opponent and winning a free-kick in a dangerous position. All eyes on Dybala now for the set piece.
17′ Lukaku’s first opportunity of the night is comfortable for Wellenreuther. The Belgian’s header was propelled right down the throat of the goalkeeper.
21′ Igor Paixao worked himself into a glorious position after jinxing and feinting his way past defenders. When he finally pulled the trigger, Paixao dragged his shot agonisingly wide from close distance.
News from around the grounds – Galatasaray have taken an early lead through Karem Demirbay against Sparta Prague. A much needed goal to settle early nerves.
24′ The shot count is stacking up. Feyenoord have had two more shots on target in the previous two minutes, however they are yet to really test Svilar.
27′ Paixao’ close range effort is saved comfortably. The Brazillian unable to gain power on the half volley. Another chance missed for the hosts.
Embed from Getty ImagesNews from around the grounds – An own goal by Aurele Amenda see’s Young Boys trail against Sporting Lisbon. Considering Sporting’s form this season it could be a long way back from here for the Swiss side.
33′ Roma are starting to control the game and Dybala’s influence is growing. Passing the ball to the Argentine seems to be a reoccurring theme for the Giallorossi.
Embed from Getty Images40′ Leonardo Paredes stings the bar from range. The midfielder struck the ball magnificently with power and precision, but a stunning save tipped the ball onto the bar and away from the back of the net. Brilliant shot, brilliant save.
News from around the grounds – Viktor Gyokeres converts his penalty to give Sporting a two goal lead over Young Boys. What a season the Swede is having after a summer move from Coventry.
News from around the grounds – Young Boys have replied instantly. Filip Ugrinic on the scoresheet to make sure that the tie has not been put to bed.
44′ Good goalkeeping once again by Feyenoord’s number 22 who denies Dybala from a difficult angle. The resulting corner is cleared from danger.
45+1′ Goal – The deadlock is finally broken and a goal in this game has most certainly been coming. Paixo nods in a curved cross from Quilindschy Hartman uncontested. Poor defending from Roma who simply failed to pick up the attackers in the box. This stadium is absolutely rocking now.
Embed from Getty ImagesHalf time around the grounds, scores are as follows –
Feyenoord 1-0 Roma
Young Boys 1-2 Sporting Lisbon
Galatasaray 1-0 Sparta Prague
Shakhtar 0-0 Marseille
45′ The second half has resumed here in Rotterdam. What does this period have in store for us ?
46′ Feyenoord have started the second half as they finished the first. There is real intent and desire. Ayase Ueda with some top centre forward play to win his team a free-kick just outside the penalty box. The shot from the free-kick is met by Roma’s wall.
News from around the grounds – Sparta Prague have evened things up in Turkey. Angelo Preciado with the leveller.
News from around the grounds- Sporting once again have a two goal advantage over Young Boys. Goncalo Ignacia with the goal. Ignacio a player with many top clubs scouting and hoping to sign the defender in the near future.
51′ Roma are gaining more of a feel for the ball. Gaps are appearing and the shot count is increasing. Dybala the latest to have a pop.
54′ Lukaku leaps well but fails to make significant contact with the ball which rolls out of play for a goal kick.
57′ Feyenoord are struggling to get a foot on the ball, never mind keep hold of it. Changes will need to be made if this continues for much longer.
Embed from Getty Images62′ The hosts are getting themselves into more dangerous positions now. They are knocking on the door once again.
News from around the grounds – Dries Mertens has given Galatasaray the lead against Sparta Prague. The score now reads 2-1.
News from around the grounds – Victor Nelsson of Galatasaray has been sent off just a minute after his side took the lead.
News from around the grounds – Marseille take the leads away from home against Shakhtar through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
News from around the grounds- Minutes after Nelsson’s dismissal, Sparta Prague have equalised. Jan Kuchta the goalscorer.
67′ Goal – Lukaku levels the scoring. A number nines goal. Lukaku gets himself in front of his marker in the box to power his header past the goalkeeper. Leonardo Spinazzola’s floated cross left Lukaku a great chance which he had to take.
News from around the grounds – Shakhtar have equalised against Marseille through Mykola Matviienko. Twelve goals across four games the tally now after the 70 minute mark.
75′ Yet another block made, but this time the referee the cause. A drop ball has to be taken due to the referee’s accidental but comedic intervention.
Embed from Getty Images78′ The game is open and calling for a winning goal to be scored. Roma are dominating but Feyenoord look dangerous on the counter and have the advantage of their noisy home fans to urge them on. Will we see another goal ?
82′ Svilar goes to the ground with cramp. A very rare occurrence to sea goalkeeper go down with cramp. The home fans boo’s suggest they see this as time wasting ?
Around the grounds – A second red card has been given out in Turkey, this time to the away side. Matej Rynes’ second yellow card of the game means that both sides are down to ten men.
87′ Edoardo Bove will miss the second leg due to suspension as he receives a yellow card. A decision more on the harsh side in my opinion.
90′ Sergio Gimenez tests the goalkeeper from inside the box in the dying minutes of the match. A powerful effort was pushed away from goal. I’m sure Roma fans and players would have had their hearts in their mouths.
91′ The post is hit after a deflected header on goal from a Feyenoord free-kick.
News from around the rounds – IIiman Ndiaye looks to have scored the winning goal for Marseille against Shakhtar.
News from around the grounds- A last minute goal from Mauro Icardi seals a first leg win for Galatasaray against Sparta Prague.
News from around the grounds- Shakhtar have levelled the tie up in the 93rd minute through Eguinaldo. What an unbelievable match with many twists and turns.
Full time – Feyenoord 1-1 Roma. All to play for in the second leg after a thrilling encounter.
Full time Europa League results :
Feyenoord 1-1 Roma
Young Boys 1-3 Sporting Lisbon
Shakhtar 2-2 Marseille
Galatasaray 3-2 Sparta Prague
A draw on the night leaves us left with an exciting tie in a week’s time for the replay at the Stadio Olympico to determine who will advance to the next round of the Europa League.
Goals from Paixao and Lukaku meant the teams come away with a draw which I would call the deserved result. Both teams missed chances which they should have made more out of, failing to capitalize and seize opportunities.
Thank you for joining me, it’s been a pleasure. Goodnight !
