May 06, (THEWILL) – Roma qualified for the inaugural Europa Conference League final on Thursday night courtesy of Tammy Abraham’s spectacular header in the second leg of their semi-final clash against Leicester.
After a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium last week, the England striker leapt the highest to tip in the winner on the night and on aggregate.
The hosts got off to a fast start, with Lorenzo Pellegrini forcing Kasper Schmeichel to save a free kick. Nicola Zalewski darted down the left flank to deliver a cross to Pellegrini, but his first-time effort was diverted behind.
Roma took the lead from that corner, with Leicester’s woeful set-piece defence once again shining through. Pellegrini’s outswinger was met with a thunderous header from close range by Abraham, who gave Schmeichel no chance. It was also the striker’s ninth goal in the Europa League this season.
In the first half, Leicester had more possession but struggled to generate anything significant, failing to test Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio with a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
After the break, though, the Foxes’ urgency grew as they pinned the hosts in their own half, yet clear-cut chances continued to elude them. With Roma virtually refusing to give up possession, Brendan Rodgers was entrusted with breaking through Jose Mourinho’s defensive line.
Their final ball, for the most part, let them down. It was difficult for key players James Maddison and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to create, with Roma content to hold Leicester at bay. In the 78th minute, Patricio made his first stop, holding a Maddison effort from distance.
Leicester retained possession and thwarted Roma counterattacks, but they could not break through the hosts’ defence. Instead, Roma advanced to the final, giving Mourinho his first taste of European success since winning the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017.
Leicester’s chances of winning a trophy this season are gone, and they are unlikely to qualify for Europe based on their Premier League position, where they are ten points behind seventh-placed West Ham.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
