FK Bodö/Glimt is developing into a real opponent of fear for AS Roma in the Europa Conference League. After the 1:2 in the quarter-final first leg, it was clear that Roma would not win the third match against the Norwegian champions either.
AS Roma had to go to Norway in the quarter-final first leg of the Europa Conference League to face Bodö/Glimt – again. Roma’s memories of the group stage clash were unlikely to have been good ones. In the first leg, José Mourinho’s B team lost 6-1 and the Giallorossi were unable to go beyond a 2-2 draw at home in the second leg.
In their third meeting, the Norwegian champions once again proved to be a very unpleasant opponent. The home side were defensively solid for the most part and also made their presence felt offensively from time to time. The best chance of the first half was missed by Saltnes, who only hit the outside of the net (13th minute).
Pellegrini with a powerful strike for 1:0
Many things were piecemeal for Roma, they rarely went forward quickly – but when they did, it was dangerous. Abraham failed after a technically fine ball transfer including a smooth turn at the brilliantly reacting keeper Haidik (37.). The goalkeeper was then overcome before the break with the next fast attack: Mkhitaryan let Pellegrini run into the penalty area and the captain put the ball under the crossbar from an acute angle (43rd minute).
Saltnes deflects in for the equaliser
Roma did no more than they needed to after taking the lead and were punished for their passivity. Wembangomo’s shot from distance was deflected by Saltnes with his lower back and Rui Patricio could not change direction quickly enough – the equaliser (55.).
Fears Bodö/Glimt
In the final phase, the Giallorossi shifted into another gear, albeit a minimally higher one. Pellegrini at least forced Haikin into a save (71st). All in all, Roma were too ponderous, a lot was left to chance, and defensively, inattentiveness crept in – and Bodö/Glimt took advantage of that.
Pellegrino sent a free-kick from the right to the first post, where Vetlesen had a free header, but substitute Vina deflected the ball into his own net (89). Roma thus conceded their second defeat in the third match in the current competition against Bodö/Glimt – and apparently have a new fearful opponent.
The fourth attempt at a win, which is also needed to reach the semi-finals, will then be made in the second leg next Thursday (9pm). Before that, Roma will host Serie A bottom side Salernitana (Sunday, 6pm).
