AS Roma produced one of the most unbelievable comebacks to beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.
The Giallorossi were trailing 4-1 going into a Champions League Semi-Final second leg but goals from Daniel De Rossi, Edin Dzeko and Kostas Manolas were enough to see the Italian side turn around the fixture to go through on away goals.
Barcelona were on the front foot from the start with Serge Roberto and Lionel Messi both getting chances in the first four minutes but the pair couldn’t put the tie to bed.
After failing to convert the two chances, Roma made them pay immediately as Edin Dzeko calmly controlled a pin point long-range De-Rossi pass and poked the ball beyond Marc-Ander ter Stergen from six yards after six minutes.
The goal gave Roma a much needed boast and they stated attacking in numbers trying to look for a quick-fire second. Barcelona looked rattled as Roma pressed them with high intensity while not allowing them to get the normal rhythm with the ball.
The host continued to pile pressure as Patrick Schick came close with a header, while Messi was presented with a good opportunity four minutes later but he directed his free-kick over the wall.
The fans urged their team to attack and they didn’t disappoint, they had 8 shots on goal in the first half and looked the more lethal side of the two.
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The second half started as they had finished the first, Roma was still in complete control. They were awarded a penalty in the 56thminute after Gerald Pique brought down Dzeko in the box.
Roma captain De Rossi who created the first doubled Roma’s score from the spot, increasing pressure on the visitors. After conceding the second, the Blaugrana had to calm down and try to get one back to stay in the game but they instead looked shell shocked.
The hosts were finished yet, Ter Stegen was repeatedly called into action and the Germany International made a number of sharp saves to keep his side in the game.
Roma finally completed their comeback in the 82ndminute after Monolas glanced a header into the back of the net from a corner.
The result completed the 4-4 comeback but AS Roma qualify for the semi-final on the away goals rule.
It’s an unfortunate result for Barcelona who have now been knocked out of the champions league last eight three times in a row since 2015 when they last won the competition.
On the other hand, Roma will be cerebrating getting into their first ever Champions League semi-final in their club history.
They will be joined by Liverpool who beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate as we await their last two opponents who will be decided after the last two second leg matches on Wednesday 11th04.
