Roma Maintain Perfect Record in Europa League

Roma's dominant performance continued in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage, maintaining their flawless record with a comfortable victory over a Slavia Prague side that struggled to keep up.

The memories of a heartbreaking extra-time defeat by Jiri Vavra's goal in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup still hung in the air, creating a tense pre-game atmosphere. However, Roma's current squad wasted no time seeking revenge. In the opening minute, Stephan El Shaarawy set up Edoardo Bove, who unleashed a remarkable long-range shot into the far corner of Ales Mandous' net.

This marked Bove's third consecutive opening goal, and Roma's dream start improved further in the 17th minute. A Slavia mistake allowed Roma to initiate an attack from the back. El Shaarawy, with his lightning pace, outmaneuvered his marker and cleverly played Romelu Lukaku through on goal. Lukaku, as strong and clinical as ever, buried the ball into the net with his left foot, maintaining his perfect UEL group stage scoring record.

Lukaku continued to trouble Slavia's defense up to half-time, and the Czech side was fortunate to be only 2-0 down at the break, despite Mile Svilar palming a low Mick van Buren shot just wide.

Although the second half lacked the same explosive start as the first, both teams maintained a consistent passing tempo. El Shaarawy rattled the Slavia crossbar after a pass from Zeki Celik, and Slavia's Ivan Schranz missed a crucial chance for the visitors.

With their sights set on the upcoming challenge against Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday, Roma opted to allow Slavia more possession while limiting their chances. There was little doubt about Roma's third consecutive UEL victory, extending their winning streak to six matches in all competitions.

Roma's impeccable home record against Czech teams remained unscathed, and despite Slavia's early mistakes, they still held a five-point lead in second place, as Servette and Sheriff Tiraspol played to a 1-1 draw in another match.