Roma Split Points With FC Porto In UEL Play-off Tie

 

Porto shared spoils with AS Roma in a 1-1 draw despite playing one man down in the latter part of the game in the Europa League play-off first-leg tie. 

Roma were able to defile the impact of playing one-man down in the latter part of the following the dismissal of Bryan Cristante. Meanwhile, they got ahead before the host found the equalizer from an unsuspecting moment facilitated by the Portuguese goalkeeper.

Zeki Celikstruck set the Italians ahead on the brink of halftime, steering home a rebound from Dovbyk's poor save that bounced off to his reach. However, Portos's equalizer was spectacular as Diogo Costa's cross-pitch lob set off a counter which rightly arrived for Pepe to set off Francisco Moura to pounce into the net. 

Despite that impressive performance, confidence might be depleted amongst home supporters regardless, as Porto have won just five of their last 25 major European knockout games against any opponent.

Overview 

The game was split between both sides until the added minutes when Celik came out of the blues to strike home the ball in a chaotic situation. Though Roma were fired up for the second half, their search for goals quickly turned otherwise as Diogo Costa rightly inspired an offensive and Francisco Moura tried his luck on the ball. 

Hosts Porto slow the tempo of the game down by keeping their passes tidy and precise, making it difficult for the opposition to find the pace to cause them much hassle. They were physical with great harmony between the players. However, the Italians were coordinated to contain their aggression.