MD 19 ATHENS 1 - 0 ROMA: REVIEW
Roma are defeated once more as they drop to 12th position in the table, meaning the threat of relegation, which seemed like a laughable idea just a couple of seasons ago, is a sad reality.
Written by: Saad Maan
As we edge closer to the end of the season, every game matters more and more, not least for Roma SS who find themselves in a tight relegation battle with Nomades de Paris.
With the importance of the points at play, it was expected that Roma would attempt to control the game and therefore the outcome, and they did. As per usual, it was a boring first half with minimal action. Other than a 43rd-minute attempt from Athens' Danny Optic, there wasn't much to speak about in the first half.
While a matchup with Roma ensures that you'll have a dreadful time, a matchup with Kerberos means there'll be minimal changes going into the second half. Both statements were proven true.
In the 61st minute, Lucca Rizzo, the veteran Roma utility man, fouled Bai Chao outside the box in a dangerous position. Despite the 'big' wall from Roma, the free kick was converted expertly by Jethro, the Kerberos' captain, meaning that as it stood, Roma were in last position. The goal conceded by Roma isn't any different from the ones they usually concede—individual mistakes from the two captains.
In the 85th minute, Lucca Rizzo was sent through on goal. One-on-one with the keeper, in an attempt to redeem himself, he shoots. However, the aging Italian man, without any confidence, could only muster up a shot straight at Hepatitis. Henry Kamel, the other Roma captain, attempted to score on the rebound, but the weak shot was blocked.
Only two minutes later, Rizzo would have a golden opportunity outside the box, but yet again put it wide. As the whistle was blown for full-time, the Roma players dropped to their knees in disappointment—relegation is a more than real threat and might be an actuality next match day.
