Football fans around the world were left stunned when Roma beat Barcelona 3-0 in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on April 10, 2018. It was an incredible comeback that saw the Italian side overturn a 4-1 deficit from the first leg.
Background
Barcelona had been in excellent form coming into this game, having won La Liga and looking like one of the favorites to win the Champions League. On the other hand, Roma had struggled in recent weeks and were not expected to pose much of a threat to Barcelona’s dominance.
The first leg at Camp Nou saw Barcelona run out comfortable winners with goals from Pique, Suarez, two own goals from De Rossi and Manolas respectively. The stage was set for Roma to stage an unlikely comeback at home.
The Match
The Stadio Olimpico was packed with fans cheering on their team as they took on one of Europe’s strongest clubs. Roma started strongly, pressing high up the pitch and denying Barcelona space to play their usual passing game.
The home side took the lead after just six minutes through Edin Dzeko’s well-placed shot past Ter Stegen.
Barcelona tried to respond but found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Roma defense. The turning point came in the 58th minute when Daniele De Rossi converted a penalty after Gerard Pique had handled the ball inside his penalty area.
Roma continued to press forward and got their third goal in the 82nd minute when Kostas Manolas headed in from a corner kick. The celebrations that followed were nothing short of euphoric as Roma completed their stunning comeback.
Aftermath
The result sent shockwaves around the football world and saw Roma progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in over 30 years. Barcelona, on the other hand, were left to ponder what went wrong as they crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition.
The match will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history and a testament to the never-say-die attitude of Roma. It will be remembered for years to come by football fans around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roma’s incredible victory over Barcelona on April 10, 2018, will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Champions League history. The Italian side defied all odds to overturn a seemingly impossible deficit and produce one of football’s greatest ever comebacks.