In a match that had everything but the kitchen sink, Lille OSC pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night at the Stadio Olimpico. The game, part of the league phase, saw the French side cling to their lead like it was gold, especially after Roma's frantic late push. Jonathan David's early goal in the 18th minute put Lille ahead, a clinical finish that exposed some defensive lapses in the home team's backline.
But the real drama unfolded in the dying minutes. Roma, desperate to salvage a point, earned three penalties in quick succession—controversial calls that had the crowd roaring. Enter Lille's young goalkeeper Berke Ozer, the 19-year-old Turkish sensation who turned hero by saving all three. Three penalties in a row stopped cold, an almost unbelievable feat that sealed the win and left Roma stunned. Ozer's reflexes were sharp as a tack, diving left and right to deny Artem Dovbyk and others, preserving what might be Lille's most important away result this season.
Roma's coach Claudio Ranieri cut a frustrated figure post-match, hinting at refereeing inconsistencies without outright complaining. Indeed, his side dominated possession with 62 percent and fired off 18 shots, yet couldn't break through. Lille, meanwhile, were compact and opportunistic, much like under Paulo Fonseca's guidance. This loss marks Roma's second slip in the Europa League, putting pressure on their domestic form too— they've only won two of their last five in Serie A.
However, it's not all doom for the Giallorossi. Players like Paulo Dybala showed flashes of brilliance, creating chances that could have changed the narrative. Lille climbs to a provisional top spot in their group with seven points from three games, while Roma sits fourth with four. The French outfit's resilience here speaks volumes about their European ambitions this year.
Moreover, Ozer's performance draws comparisons to some legendary keepers, though it's early days. For Roma, the questions now turn to recovery—can they bounce back against stronger foes ahead? As the competition intensifies, such narrow escapes remind us how fine the margins can be in elite football.