Gustav Isaksen the Hero as 9-Man Lazio Earn Surreal First-Leg Win Over Viktoria Plzen | OneFootball

Despite being reduced to nine men, Lazio somehow managed to earn a last-minute winner over Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.

Lazio Starting Lineup

Marco Baroni had to do without Taty Castellanos and Mattia Zaccagni, so Tijjani Noslin spearheaded the 4-2-3-1 formation, supported by Gustav Isaksen, Boulaye Dia and Pedro. As usual, Nicolo Rovella teamed up with Matteo Guendouzi in the middle, while Adam Marusic, Samuel Gigot, Alessio Romagnoli and Nuno Tavares started at the back in front of Ivan Provedel.

First Warning

The Czech side thought they had opened up the scoring after 10 minutes through Pavel Sulc, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review and an off-field check due to an offside position.

Alessio Romagnoli Breaks the Deadlock for Lazio

In the 18th minute, it was Lazio’s turn to find the back of the net, and this time, the goal stood. Pedro’s corner kick was headed by Noslin towards the far post, and Romagnoli was the first to react, latching onto the ball to nod it from close range past the hapless Martin Jedlicka. The two sides then traded blows but the scoreline showed 1-0 by the end of the first half.

Viktoria Plzen Draw Level

At the hour mark, Plzen found the equalizer through a freekick. Lukas Kalvach scooped one in the box, and Rafiu Durosinmi evaded the crowd to reach the ball first and head it past Provedel who could do little about it.

Nicolo Rovella & Samuel Gigot Sent Off

This strike shifted all the momentum in favor of the home side who dominated the action afterwards, while things got from bad to worse for the Biancocelesti. Nicolo Rovella was given his marching orders following a VAR review after headkicking Sulc in the 77th minute, and Gigot followed suit in the 93rd minute due to a reckless tackle on Cadu.

Sensational Finale

Despite having two extra men on the field, Plzen couldn’t find another goal, as Provedel managed to pull off a couple of late saves. On the contrary, it was Lazio who snatched the winner with the last kick of the game in a surreal jaw-dropping scenario. The man of the hour, Isaksen, confirmed his brilliant form by finding the far corner with a brilliant left-foot shot to kick off wild celebrations in the away end.

Therefore, Lazio return to Rome with a valuable one-goal advantage ahead of the decisive second leg which will be held at the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday.

Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Lazio

Goals: 18′ Romagnoli (L), 53′ Durosinmi (V), 97′ Isaksen (L).

VIKTORIA PLZEN (3-4-2-1):  Jedlicka; Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka; Memic (85′ Kopic), Cerv, Kalvach, Cadu; Sulc; Vydra, Durosinmi (87′ Adu).

LAZIO (4-2-3-1):  Provedel; Marusic, Gigot, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares (55′ Lazzari); Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia (83′ Patric), Pedro (62′ Vecino); Noslin (62′ Tchaouna).

Referee: Rumsas (ROU)

Yellow cards: 61′ Kalvach (V), 62′ Vecino (L), 70′ Cadu (V), 74′ Rovella (L), 74′ Cerv (V), 84′ Patric (L).

Red cards: 77′ Rovella (L), 93′ Gigot (L).