Capaldo’s late goal gives Salzburg the edge against Mourinho’s Roma

RB Salzburg scored a late winner to secure an unlikely 1-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash at Red Bull Arena on Thursday night. 

Roma had finished second behind Real Betis in their group to get to this stage, while Salzburg dropped into the competition from the Champions League. 

There was little to separate the two sides going into the game, but Salzburg were the form team after beating Austria Lustenau 4-0 in their last game. 

Matthias Jaissle started the game dictating play but never threatened Roma despite having more of the ball. 

Roma had a full-strength side, which showed in their play as they were a threat going forward. 

Mourinho’s men, despite having less of the ball, created the best chance of the half as Nemanja Matic set up Tammy Abraham with a brilliant ball from the midfield. 

However, the England international’s shot was straight at Salzburg’s goalkeeper Philipp Kohn. Abraham’s failure to convert from close range ensured both teams went into the break with the scores goalless. 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Salzburg dominating possession and Roma creating the chances. 

The Italian side’s first real chance in the second half came via Bryan Cristante but the Italian’s near post header was kept out by the post. 

Roma continued to push for the opener, and they should have had one after substitute Andrea Bellotti was presented with a great opportunity from a Chris Smalling header. 

However, the former Torino man saw his close-range effort miraculously kept out by Kohn. 

He would later regret the missed opportunity as Salzburg punished Roma for their profligacy with a late winner three minutes from time, courtesy of a header from Nicolas Capaldo. 

The result leaves Roma with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday.