Women's Champions League: Glasgow City 1 - Roma 3

 

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Roma celebrate after scoring vs Glasgow. 

Roma braved harsh winds away from the Italian capital to win 3-1 against an uncharacteristically direct Glasgow City side. The Giallorosse proved too much for the Scottish side and an impressive midfield display ensured that Roma controlled the game.

The wind caused havoc early on as referee Ainara Acevedo had to ask Desirée Monsiváis to retake the kick-off after the wind pushed the ball away from the spot and into Glasgow's half. Ultimately, the wind proved too strong for a clean kick-off and Monsiváis was eventually allowed to take it regardless. Shortly after, the wind's influence was felt again as Glasgow were nearly gifted an early lead when a floated corner was pushed towards the goal, but the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded away. 

After the early chance for Glasgow, Roma started to find their feet as Bartoli put a good chance wide. Glasgow tried to push forward but found Roma consistently winning the ball back in midfield and pushing forward with their wide players. This eventually resulted in the opening goal in the 12th minute as Benedetta Glionna cut inside from right, dribbled past 2 defenders and powered a shot past Lee Gibson. 

As the first half went on, Glasgow struggled to contain Manuela Giugliano in midfield for Roma, who was unlucky to put a good chance wide. Giugliano played the deeper creative role throughout the match, but often dropped into the left-back position, allowing Di Guglielmo to push forward. However, very much against the run of play, Glasgow were able to equalise in the 20th minute when Lauder's delivery into the box for Monsiváis connected with Roma debutant Moeka Minami who scored an unfortunate own goal.  

After conceding, Roma pushed forward putting Glasgow onto the back foot and forcing Glasgow's centre-backs to win the ball back from their own byline. Glasgow needed to frantically scramble to defend a number of good chances for Roma to hold on until half-time. Clearly feeling a lack of attacking presence, Eileene Gleeson opted to bring on Priscila Chincilla for Amy Miur, moving to a back 4 in the process. Despite Roma still feeling dangerous from the flanks, this change seemed to even out the game for a while with Glasgow able to push forward occasionally with Chincilla able to run in behind. 

Roma were able to change the game and put themselves back on top with the substitution of Paloma Lázaro for Valentina Giacinti . The Spanish forward made an impact pretty soon after coming on as she dribbled into the box in the 59th minute and slotted the ball to Glionna for her second of the game. We saw glimpses of Glasgow's talent in the second half but unfortunately they came to nothing as Glionna and Lázaro combined again in the 80th minute when Glionna capitalised on Gibson's poorly played pass to find Lázaro waiting in the box to score Roma's third. Glasgow were unable to fight back, especially after Monsiváis was substitued late into the game following a possible strain. Following their win, Roma will play Paris FC in the next qualifying round.