Lille struck first in Rome thanks to a costly defensive lapse from the hosts. Hakon Arnar Haraldsson pounced on the error just six minutes after kick-off, finishing clinically to hand the French team an early advantage.
The opener gave the visitors confidence, allowing them to frustrate Roma for much of the match and limit their clear opportunities in front of goal. Despite home pressure, the Ligue 1 side remained compact and disciplined throughout the encounter.
Triple penalty drama stuns the Stadio Olimpico
The match reached a remarkable climax with ten minutes left on the clock. Roma were handed a golden opportunity to level after Aissa Mandi was penalised for handball inside the area, setting the stage for a dramatic series of events.
Artem Dovbyk took the initial spot-kick, but Berke Ozer dived to keep it out. However, the celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling that Romain Perraud had entered the area too soon before clearing the rebound. The referee ordered a retake.
Dovbyk tried again but was denied for a second time by the Turkish goalkeeper. This time, though, Ozer was deemed to have moved off his line prematurely, resulting in a third attempt from the penalty spot.
Responsibility then shifted to Matias Soule, yet he too saw his effort saved by the Lille stopper. The third save stood, preserving the visitors’ narrow lead and silencing the home crowd.
Gasperini reflects on extraordinary sequence
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed disbelief after the final whistle, describing the situation as “almost unique.” He admitted he had never witnessed three missed penalties in one game, acknowledging that the sequence ultimately cost his side a point.
The French club held firm until the end, sealing a memorable victory that owed everything to their goalkeeper’s remarkable late heroics.
