A surprising turn of events unfolded in the match between Roma and Lille, particularly at the penalty spot. The game took place at a crucial moment for both teams, adding heightened pressure as the clock ticked towards the end of regulation time.
Dovbyk and Soulé’s Missed Penalty Attempts
With only nine minutes remaining, the referee awarded Roma a penalty following a clear handball by Lille’s Mandi. This decision came after a VAR review confirmed the foul. The drama began when Ukrainian striker Dovbyk stepped up for the first attempt.
- First Attempt: Dovbyk missed the target completely.
- Second Attempt: After the referee ordered a retake due to players encroaching the box, Dovbyk’s second shot was even worse, as Lille goalkeeper Ozer saved it despite moving off his line prematurely.
- Third Attempt: Soulé seized the opportunity for a third chance but also failed to score. His shot was weak and poorly placed, leading to another easy save for Ozer.
Unavailable Regular Penalty Takers
Roma’s usual penalty takers were missing due to injury and substitutions. Dybala was sidelined, and Pellegrini had left the match earlier in the second half. This situation greatly contributed to the team’s penalty woes during this high-stakes moment.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Dybala | Injured |
| Pellegrini | Substituted (57′) |
Reflecting on the penalties, it is worth noting past statements from coaches, like Gasperini’s about Lookman during his tenure at Atalanta, labeling him the worst penalty taker he’d observed. The missed attempts by Dovbyk and Soulé put this theory to the test. Ultimately, Roma’s failure to convert from the spot played a crucial role in their match against Lille.
