Roma will have to pull off another epic comeback at home after losing 5-2 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.
It could have been worse as the Serie A side were 5-0 down before two late goals kept them in the tie.
Here’s how the Roma players performed.
STARTING XI
Alisson 5 – Could do little for any of Liverpool’s goals. Seeing the ball fly into the net so many times clearly rocked his confidence, however, as he made some reckless decisions and got lucky.
Federico Fazio 4- Not directly at fault for any of the goals, but was also caught off guard by Liverpool’s attack far too often.
Kostas Manolas 4 – Poor defending for Liverpool’s first goal, allowing Salah onto his left foot far too easily.
Juan Jesus 3 – Caught out on the counter for Liverpool’s second, beaten for pace by Salah’s run. Lost him again for Liverpool’s third and fourth.
Alessandro Florenzi 4 – Hardly in the game, both defensively and from an attacking point of view. Pushed back too easily by Liverpool’s full-backs.
Daniele De Rossi 4 – Made a good start and, at least in the first half, was solid defensively. But the game passed him by in the second half as Liverpool overwhelmed Roma, and he was duly substituted.
Kevin Strootman 4 – Had little impact in midfield, dominated by Jordan Henderson – who, it must be said, had a career night. Still, before the game, Strootman would have been backed to win that duel.
Aleksandar Kolarov 4 – Forgot the defensive side of his brief as Liverpool constantly targeted the space behind him, where Salah was constantly roaming free.
Cengiz Under 5 – Picked ahead of Patrik Schick but struggled to get into the game. Still, it was a surprise when he was taken off at halftime.
Radja Nainggolan 7 – Roma’s best player, and the reason they’re still in this tie. Set up both of their goals to give his side hope.
Edin Dzeko 6 – Was barely in the game when Liverpool were running riot, although through no fault of his own. Scored to get Roma back into tie.
SUBSTITUTES
Patrik Schick 6 – A lively cameo from the bench. Came close to scoring on two occasions, and Roma’s attacking play was much better with him on the pitch.
Diego Perotti 7 – A cool penalty to make it 5-2 and just about keep Roma in the tie. The difference-maker off the bench.
Maxime Gonalons 6 – Added stability in midfield after replacingDe Rossi. Did enough to suggest he could start in the second leg.
