Europa League: Roma draws in Porto.

The first leg of the playoff between Porto and Roma ends 1-1. The Giallorossi will play for the qualification to the round of 20 in the return match on February XNUMX at the Stadio Olimpico.

Porto-Roma 1-1

In the first half, Roma immediately missed a chance to take the lead; Dovbyk headed in a corner and Saelemaekers failed to find the conclusion from a great position. In the 19th minute, Dybala tried, but his shot was weak and Diogo Costa saved comfortably. After half an hour, Angelino crossed a great ball to Pellegrini who hit it badly and took the ball away from a better-positioned Dybala. Porto made their presence felt in the 43rd minute with Borges who was blocked by the Giallorossi defense. After five minutes of injury time, Roma took the lead with Celik, good at beating Diogo Costa on Dovbyk's cross.

In the second half the first to be dangerous are the Portuguese with the conclusion of Mora that forces Svilar to a great save. In the 66th minute Cristante responds from the developments of a corner kick, but Diogo Costa saves it in the corner. A minute later the hosts equalize; Francisco Mora takes advantage of an indecision by the opposing defense and beats Svilar with his left foot. In the 72nd minute, Roma are down to ten men due to Cristante's second yellow card. Porto begins to push in search of the opening goal; in the 78th minute, Borges' volley ends up high and in the 88th minute, Namaso doesn't coordinate well, wasting a good opportunity. The Giallorossi defend themselves and manage not to concede a goal. Ends 1-1 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

A precious draw for Ranieri's team, given the direction the match had taken. Roma will play for the next round in their Olimpico, where the performance is decidedly better. 

The return match Roma-Porto is scheduled for Thursday 20 February.