Jose Mourinho’s Roma will have a challenge on their hands if they are to reach the next round of the Europa League this term. The Italian side were narrowly beaten 1-0 in Austria last week, but they will still be favoured to progress with home advantage in the second leg.
Europa League Preview
Jose Mourinho was lamenting the fixture build up after Roma’s defeat in the opening leg last week, as his Serie A side was beaten 1-0 in Austria. In truth, Salzburg was very good value for that first leg advantage, as they dominated the possession throughout, and potentially should have led by a wider margin.
However, the only goal in the fixture was scored with just two minutes of the 90 remaining, as Nicolas Capaldo netted the winning goal. It was a sluggish display by the Italian giants, as they managed to record just 45% of the possession, and registered just three shots on target. However, they will be expected to still progress as they will have the home advantage for the return match between the sides this week.
Salzburg should be confident coming into this fixture, as they have progressed from five of their previous six two-legged knockout fixtures after winning the first leg. The only time that they didn’t progress came against Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup in the 1997-98 season.
However, AS Roma has a fine record after losing the opening leg. They have progressed from three of their previous five ties in European competition. Roma’s home record in the knockout stages of major competitions is also encouraging, as they are unbeaten in their previous 13 fixtures. Their latest defeat was a 1-0 loss against Villarreal in February 2017.
Roma vs Salzburg Head to Head
Salzburg were 1-0 winners in the only previous meeting between the sides, with that fixture coming last week. However, they are winless in their last five visits to Italian opposition in European competition. Their only win was recorded back in September 2009 against Lazio.
Roma vs Salzburg Prediction
Salzburg will have the added advantage of having an advantage to defend in Rome this week. However, Roma will likely be much better than they were last week, and we struggle to see anything other than the Italian giants reaching the next stage of the competition. But, it could be a long night with Mourinho’s side progressing after extra time.
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