Roma beats Slovan Bratislava as defenders supply both first-half goals

Early chances

Roma began the Champions League contest without the injured Manu Koné and Dybala. Gasperini and Yayá Touré were the opposing coaches for the meeting between Roma and Slovan Bratislava.

Slovan Bratislava’s defense blocked attempts from Malen and Pisilli during the early exchanges. Pellegrini had another opportunity before the opening goal: he controlled a delivery from Nahuel, then sent his volley over rather than finding the net.

Defenders score

Pellegrini’s delivery produced the opening goal through Ghilardi’s redirection toward the far post, where Hermoso headed in from close range. Pellegrini was involved again in the move for the second, supplying the forward pass before Malen struck an angled shot. Takac made the save, but Molina scored from the rebound. Roma reached halftime two goals ahead, with both goals coming from defenders.

Second-half goals

Pellegrini left with a physical problem after the interval. Mati Soulè replaced him, while Pisilli inherited the captaincy. Pisilli then scored Roma’s third, meeting Malen’s assist with a precise finish beneath the crossbar.

Wesley entered the penalty area and was fouled by Blackman, earning Roma a penalty. Malen converted the spot kick for the fourth goal, and Castro subsequently came on to replace him.

Late attempts

Nahuel Molina later narrowly missed with a volley from Koulierakis’s cross. Rodrigo Mora also had a late chance, but Takac denied him, turning his effort behind for a corner.

The match finished with four Roma goals and none for Slovan Bratislava.

It was Roma’s first victory of this Champions League campaign, bringing their league-phase total to four points.