After the match against Udinese Calcio was abandoned due to Ndicka’s collapse, AS Roma won the 18-minute “replay” thanks to a goal in injury time
The score had been 1-1 after goals from Udine’s Pereyra (23) and Roma’s Lukaku (64) when former Frankfurt man Ndicka collapsed in the 72nd minute and the match was abandoned a few minutes later. Cardiological and pulmonary tests on the Ivorian had revealed a minimal pneumothorax, but the all-clear has since been given and Ndicka is able to train again.
However, Ndicka was still missing for the remaining 19 minutes, which were made up on Thursday. The match also had a very special feature, as both coaches were allowed to change their line-ups as they wished – only players who had already been substituted in the first 72 minutes were not allowed to play
The goalkeepers hold on to the draw
Daniele de Rossi’s team, who had made six changes from the time the game was called off, were keen to take control of the game from the outset. A point was not enough for the capital side, especially after their defeat to Bologna on Monday.
The home side, on the other hand, with Fabio Cannavaro on the sidelines for the first time since his appointment on Monday, relied on counter-attacks and had their first good chance to score, but Svilar was on hand to deny Lucca (82′).
A little later, Okoye was called into action against former Leverkusen player Azmoun after a mistake by Perez (85′), before regular time was over in a hectic game – also due to the unusual situation.
Cristante becomes a hero
However, the much-acclaimed final goal was to follow: In the fifth minute of stoppage time – only four were shown – Cristante rose high at the first post after a corner and headed his team to an important and emotional three points in the battle for Champions League qualification.