UEL | Servette 1-1 Roma: Lukaku not enough

Romelu Lukaku’s goal was not enough for a victory against Servette, as Roma qualify for the Europa League knockouts, but probably in second place.

The Giallorossi needed a win to keep the pressure on Slavia Prague for that precious top spot, which would mean avoiding the play-offs. Chris Smalling, Marash Kumbulla and Tammy Abraham were still injured, with Renato Sanches not at 100 per cent, while third-placed Servette missed David Douline, Leo Besson and Enzo Crivelli.

Mile Svilar got down for a one-handed save on Keigo Tsunemoto in the opening minutes, while his gloves were also stung by Bendeguz Bolla.

However, Roma broke through with their first real opportunity. Diego Llorente went on a strong run from midfield and seemed to be cutting inside, but provided the disguised pass for Lukaku, who just had to swing the boot to fire in from 14 yards.

Lukaku grazed the crossbar with another strike from the Stephan El Shaarawy assist after a well-worked team move, then both Paulo Dybala and Lukaku failed to get the tap-in on a low El Shaarawy ball rolled across the six-yard box.

However, Servette equalised at the dawn of the second half when makeshift centre-back Bryan Cristante failed to cut out a cross and Chris Bedia was able to control and prod in from six yards.

Svilar had to rush off his line and just about get the ball before Bedia on the counter-attack, while Dybala ballooned over from a very promising position after a give-and-go with Lukaku.

Nobody was ready to pounce on the loose ball after the goalkeeper pushed away the Lorenzo Pellegrini pull-back, while Evan Ndicka was booked for a two-footed tackle and will be suspended for the final game.

Adding to the bad news, Slavia Prague completed the comeback to win 3-2 away to Sheriff Tiraspol with the last kick of the game and guarantee first place.

Servette 1-1 Roma

Lukaku 21 (R), Bedia 50 (S)