Roma v Lyon
Thursday March 16, 20:05
Live on BT Sport

I was lucky enough to commentate on the first leg between these sides, and it was unquestionably one of the best games I have ever covered. Both teams went at each other from the first whistle, the atmosphere at the new Parc OL was incredible, and I've rarely seen such a collection of breathtaking goals in one match.

Lyon's stunning second-half fightback gave them a 4-2 lead heading into this second leg in the Italian capital. Bruno Genesio's side were trailing 2-1 at the break, but scored three extraordinary goals. Corentin Tolisso smashed the ball home from range after some clever build-up, Nabil Fekir eluded half the Roma team before finding the far corner, and Alex Lacazette fired an unstoppable drive into the top corner. If you haven't seen Lacazette's goal celebration, it's worth catching up with.

So, we are left with a simple question. Can Roma win the second leg by two goals to seal their place in the quarter-finals? I would say yes.

Firstly, it's worth remembering that Roma looked to be in control at half-time, but an electric atmosphere and an amazing set of goals turned the tide. Roma made plenty of chances, and I would expect them to do so again in Rome. Roma coach Luciano Spalletti even went as far as to say he felt Roma should have put the tie away when they were on top.

Secondly, Lyon's away form is patchy at best. They went out of the Coupe de France at Marseille, and in Ligue 1 they have taken just one point from their last four away games.

Much depends on which Roma team turns up. If it's the one that won 3-1 at Inter Milan recently, or the one that stuffed Villarreal 4-0, then they have a real chance of turning the tie around. If it's the one that sunk limply to a 2-0 defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, then the Giallorossi are in trouble. However, with a vociferous crowd at their backs, and the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Mohamed Salah and 30-goal striker Edin Dzeko in their line-up, they are capable of tearing chunks out of a vulnerable Lyon defence.

This tie has already had lots of twists and turns, and I reckon it will have a few more yet.


Recommended Bet

Back Roma to qualify at 2.92



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