Europa: Roma thrash Brighton to gain massive advantage ahead of their second leg tie
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Roma thrash Brighton || Imago

Europa: Roma thrash Brighton to gain massive advantage ahead of their second leg tie

Stephen Oladehinde 20:57 - 07.03.2024

Roma were ruthless in front of goal in their first-leg clash against Brighton, with the away side struggling to hold off the Italian team.

The home side were looking to continue their good form in the Europa League against the Seagulls and did it in style. They were able to put 4 goals

They were able to put 4 goals past the Premier League outfit as they took a huge advantage to England for the second leg.

As it happened 

A host of familiar faces in Daniele de Rossi's Roma side tonight as former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku led the line, with attacking support from Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Winger Simon Adingra, midfielder Pascal Gross and striker Danny Welbeck returned for Brighton as manager Roberto de Zerbi made sweeping changes to his starting XI.

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After a 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday, De Zerbi also brought back midfielders Billy Gilmour, Facundo Buonanotte and centre-back Igor.

The game started with much ferocity from Roma and got the first goal in the 14th minute when Paulo Dybala timed his run perfectly to collect Leandro Paredes' pass and was so calm going around Jason Steele before slotting into the net.

The second goal came in late towards the end of the first half when a long ball was played forward and Lewis Dunk, close to the left touchline, mis-controls it and that gives Romelu Lukaku a chance.

Roma vs Brighton || Imago
Roma vs Brighton || Imago

He pounced on Dunks' mistake and ran away with the ball, blasting his finish low and hard past Jason Steele.

The second half started and Roma continued from where they left off. They got the third goal in the 65th minute through a corner from the right which was headed away by Jan-Paul van Hecke, but Roma came again with another cross from deep and met at full stretch by Gianluca Mancini and he prods it past Jason Steele.

The home side added the fourth goal two minutes later when Stephan El Shaarawy showed great skill to flick the ball across with the outside of the foot and Bryan Cristante is well clear of marker Igor Julio and his diving header zips past Jason Steele.

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