Sergio Oliveira was hero and villain for Roma, as he scored the goal to win 1-0 away to Vitesse, but was also sent off in the first leg of this Conference League Round of 16 tie.
The Giallorossi topped their group and went straight into the Round of 16, visiting Vitesse with practically a full squad available. As with all UEFA tournaments this season, the away goals rule has been scrapped.
It was a very aggressive start from the hosts, Rui Patricio needing a great reaction save on Lois Openda from close range after eight minutes.
Adrian Grbic had the ball in the net on 14 minutes, but was clearly offside as he caught it well on the volley at the back post.
Rui Patricio rushed off his line to close down Toni Domgjoni and Openda drilled wide after Roger Ibanez slipped, but there was an incredible catalogue of errors when Grbic intercepted a dreadful Rui Patricio pass and set up Openda, who somehow ballooned over from six yards.
Roma finally created a chance just before half-time on a corner, Tammy Abraham managing to turn and shoot from 10 yards, forcing a fingertip save.
The deadlock was broken on the stroke of half-time, as a corner pinballed around in the box until Sergio Oliveira smashed it into the top corner from 12 yards.
Jose Mourinho realised the first half performance was sub-par and made a triple change at the restart. Abraham pounced on a Jacob Rasmussen error, but the defender managed to get back for the decisive clearance after the goalkeeper was chipped.
Gianluca Mancini should’ve made it 2-0, nodding over the bar from a smart Lorenzo Pellegrini cross.
However, Roma were reduced to 10 men for a second Sergio Oliveira yellow card, as he crossed paths with Maximilian Wittek and only lightly caught his ankle. It seemed a harsh decision for the goalscorer, who will be suspended for the second leg. So will Mancini, who was later booked for dissent.
Vitesse 0-1 Roma
Sergio Oliveira 12 (R)
Sent off: Sergio Oliveira 78 (R)
Vital win.
Roma may as well go and try and win this now, despite its lowly importance.