Sheriff vs AS Roma: Lukaku fires Mourinho-less men to Europa League win

AS Roma kicked off their quest for the Europa League title with a 2-1 win over Sheriff Tirapsol at Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena on Thursday evening. 

An own goal from Gaby Kiki was cancelled out by Cristian Tovar, but Romuelu Lukaku’s 65th-minute strike ensured Roma put the disappointment of their loss to Sevilla in last season’s final behind them. 

Roma were looking to build on their 7-0 win over Empoli, their first victory in the Italian top flight this season. 

The Italian side were without their manager, Jose Mourinho, who was serving a four-match touchline ban for his outburst at Antony Taylor following their loss to Sevilla in the final last season. 

However, that did not seem to affect their rhythm as they dominated possession from the blast of the whistle. 

Roma had the majority of the ball in the opening 30 minutes but it was Sheriff that came close to scoring, hitting the bar. 

Mourinho’s men continued to dominate possession after that major scare, but they did not really threaten Sheriff’s goal. 

However, that all changed in the final moment of the first half as Roma took the lead through Gabi Kiki, who could only divert a freekick from the middle into his net. 

Kiki diverted the ball into his own net after a freekick from the middle ricocheted in via his body. His goal ensured Roma went into the break with the lead. 

Roma resumed the second half the same they ended the first, keeping the majority of the ball. I Giallorossi looked to be untroubled until Cristian Tovar levelled matters for the home side. 

Tovar drew Sheriff level in the 57th minute, firing home from inside the box after Roma failed to clear. 

Mourinho, in the stands, responded by making a triple substitution, bringing on Paulo Dybala, Edoardo Bove and Leonardo Spinazzola. 

The change proved to be effective as Roma retook the lead three minutes after the trio came on, courtesy of a fine finish from Romelu Lukaku. 

Lukaku’s goal killed off Sheriff’s fire as Roma went on to see out the rest of the game without a scare.