How these two sides match up

Roma, as of now, has won both of their matches against Lisboa. In the League, the Portuguese lost 1-0 on the tenth matchday, a result that Roma also got against them in the group stages of the cup. The Romans favor a defense-first approach, having conceded only once throughout this cup. However, don’t underestimate their attack, as they have some of the most efficient attackers in the entire league. Facing them is a Lisboa side that has been experimenting a lot recently, trying to find a tactic that sticks. While this can explain their inconsistent form, it also makes them a hard side to prepare for, we will see if the Portuguese team can surprise their opponents with a new approach.

The key player who could decide it for each team

Roma SS: Henry Kamel

When talking about Roma, you inevitably will talk about ‘the Bitcher’, Henry Kamel is Roma’s top scorer of all time, as well as their captain. With his tactics, they won the Lilacs FA Cup last season and his goals and assists saw them in a good position ahead of this season, while he narrowly missed out on the Player Of The Year trophy. But things didn’t turn out well for Roma so far, as they find themselves in 9th place. This cup, however, they have been a revelation, fueled by Kamel who was involved in three of their four goals. Lisboa will need to take care of him, but this will be a hard task, as he’s good at deep buildup and excellent as a box presence.

AD Lisboa: Markus Wood

Normally you would expect Kalle Knull here. Lisboa’s captain can do things no one else in this league is capable of when he’s on his day. It’s a shame that these days are few and far between. That’s why Markus Wood fills this void. The American provided both goals in their Quarter Final win over London and has proven himself to be a prolific goalscorer once more. While, allegedly, being hard to handle in the dressing room, Wood pays his captains back with performances on the pitch, having decided games on his own multiple times.

Who advances?

It’s going to be a tough fight, but I back Roma in this. While Lisboa can beat every team in this league, their form is too volatile. With Roma being a very solid side in defense, they tend to win in the knockout games. But don’t count Lisboa out just yet, as Kalle Knull and Marcus Wood can provide the difference when they find their mojo.