Lazio Crash Out of Europa League as Historic Comeback Undone by Dramatic Shootouts | OneFootball

Lazio hosted Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final, and it turned out to be one for the ages. The Biancocelesti started the night trailing 0-2 on aggregate, but managed to turn the result upside down, only to concede an equalizer and crash out on penalties.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Taty Castellanos spearheaded the home side’s charge, supported by Gustav Isaksen, Pedro and Mattia Zaccagni. In midfield, Matteo Guendouzi linked up with Nicolo Rovella, while Manuel Lazzari, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli and Adam Marusic formed up the backline.

Taty Castellanos Breaks the Deadlock

Bodo/Glimt had a promising start as Lazio looked perplexed at first, but they soon grew into the match, and it didn’t take them too long to find the opening. Lazzari and Isaksen’s pressure paid off, as the Danish winger darted towards the byline before picking up Castellanos with a square ball. The Argentine striker produced a deft backheel to beat the goalkeeper from close range.

The Biancocelesti were hoping to equalize the score on aggregate as swiftly as possible, but the second goal kept eluding them. They had a series of dangerous chances before half-time, including a header from Zaccagni that was denied by the post.

Lazio’s Onslaught Continues

Lazio resumed their onslaught in the second period, but Castellanos couldn’t keep his footing when presented with a golden chance, but Pedro was denied by Nikita Khaikin’s brilliant save. Zaccagni also had a couple of dangerous chances, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

With the final whistle approaching, Lazio appeared to be chasing a lost cause. On the other hand, the Norwegians had the chance to kill off the match in the dying minutes, but Andreas Helmersen scuffed his chance in front of the goal, and he certainly lived to regret it.

Tijjani Noslin Rises to the Rescue

In the 93rd minute, Lazio were finally rewarded for their persistence. Nuno Tavares’ corner kick was sent goalwards by Gila, while Romagnoli sent his header towards the back post, and Tijjani Noslin latched onto the ball to score the most important goal of his career thus far, as the Stadio Olimpico was sent into a frenzy.

Boulaye Dia Put Lazio Ahead

With momentum on their side, the Laziali could certainly smell victory, and it didn’t take them long to take the lead in extra-time. Guendouzi stormed into the box and headed to the byline before lifting the ball towards the mouth of the goal. The goalkeeper was caught stranded off his line as Boulaye Dia easily headed the ball home into the open net.

Bodo/Glimt Score Equalizer

Nevertheless, Helmersen atoned for himself by scoring an equalizer that stunned the Olimpico crowds. An impressive team play from the Norwegians culminated with a cross from Isak Dybvik Määttä and a powerful header from Helmersen who beat Elseid Hysaj in the air, while Christos Mandas failed to keep it out, as the contest headed to penalty shootouts.

Lazio Fall Short on Spot-Kicks

Lazio started the shootouts on the right note, as Mandas denied Jens Petter Hauge, while Dia scored the first spot for the home side. However, Loum Tchouna’s tame attempt was easily stopped, and Noslin couldn’t even hit the target. In the end, a physically struggling Castellanos was denied by Kaikin who sent the Norwegians to the semi-finals.

Disappointing End for Lazio

Therefore, what started as an exciting European campaign for Lazio ended in dramatic fashion. Baroni’s men must focus on their last six remaining Serie A fixtures, but these gruelling 120+ minutes will certainly take their toll on the team from a physical and mental standpoint.

Lazio 3-1 Bodo/Glimt

Goals: 20′ Castellanos (L), 93′ Noslin (L), 100′ Dia (L), 109′ Helmersen (B)

Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic (68′ Tavares, 93′ Hysaj); Rovella (85′ Vecino), Guendouzi; Isaksen (85′ Tchaouna), Pedro (68′ Dia), Zaccagni (88′ Noslin); Castellanos.

Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft (105′ Nielsen), Gundersen, Bjorkan (103′ Sorli); Evjen (89′ Moe), Berg, Saltnes (57′ Fet); Blomberg (77′ Maatta), Hogh (77′ Helmersen), Hauge.

Referee: Siebert

Yellow cards: 35′ Hogh (B), 63′ Evjen (B), 78′ Helmersen (B), 79′ Berg (B), 102′ Sjovold (B), 107′ Dia (L).

Red Card: 117′ Helmersen (B)