Europa LeagueFixtures

Roma 2-0 Real Sociedad: El Shaarawy, Kumbulla secure first leg win

John Solano
AS Roma's Italian forward Stephan El Shaarawy celebrates after opening the scoring during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg football match between AS Rome and Real Sociedad, on March 9, 2023 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

calendar date9 Mar 17:45
1/8 Final
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad


Summary


Timeline

Formations

Roma set themselves up with a good chance to secure progression to the Europa League quarterfinals thanks to their 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their tie.

The Giallorossi secured an important result in the Italian capital this evening thanks to goals from Stephan El Shaarawy and Marash Kumbulla. 

The victory means the capital club enter next week’s return leg in Spain with a two-goal aggregate lead and strong opportunity to clinch qualification into the next round.

Fearing there could be a hangover following their win at the weekend over Juventus, Jose Mourinho’s side showed no signs of fatigue against the Spaniards. 

The hosts held Real Sociedad to only one shot on goal and suffocated the visitors in the middle of the pitch. The Spaniard’s only clear-cut scoring chance was through Kubo roughly ten minutes after El Shaarawy opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

The Giallorossi dominated proceedings for the remaining sixty minutes and were ultimately rewarded with an insurance minutes before the full time whistle. 

Defender Marash Kumbulla, who entered after the break for injured Diego Llorente, connected his head to Paulo Dybala’s corner kick–adding another goal and sealing the result. 

Match Center

MatchDay 37
18 May 20:45
Roma
Milan
MIL