Sporting Braga 0-2 Roma: Dzeko, Mayoral score against 10-man Braga

Dzeko-AS Roma

AS Roma did their chances of qualifying for the next round of the Europa League a world of good after they saw off Sporting Braga on Thursday night and take control of their Europa League destiny. The Italian giants scored two crucial away goals on the night and are heading back to Italy, knowing that they have one foot in the next round.

The Serie A side came out flying in the contest and were ahead just five minutes into the game with Edin Dzeko putting his side ahead with a fine finish after being released by Leonardo Spinazzola.

The visitors lost a player to injury two minutes after their goal with Bruno Peres replacing Bryan Cristante, who couldn’t continue due to an injury.

Despite losing Bruno Peres to injury two minute after their goal, Paulo Fonseca’s side continued to dominate their hosts but couldn’t find a way past an organised Braga defence. They however found the back of the net in the 37th minute, but Pedro’s goals was rightly ruled out for offside.

The visitors came out flying in the second half but were forced to make another substitution after Ibanez picked up a knock and was replaced by Gonzalo Villar.

The hosts who were still trying to chase the game were reduced to ten men in the 54th minute, with Ricardo was given his marching orders for a bad foul.

AS Roma piled on the pressure and thought they had doubled their lead in the 60th minute only to be denied by VAR which called for offside. The Italians were denied again by VAR in the 63rd minute when the technology chalked off their penalty appeal after the Roma players thought the ball had hit a Braga player on the arm.

They were not to be denied the third time despite VARs intervention as Borja Mayoral beat the offside trap to score in the 86th minute after being set up by Jordan Veretout.

Roma will head back to Italy satisfied at their performance heading into the second leg.

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