Robinio Vaz emerged as AS Roma's hero, securing a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi solidified their position in the top half of Serie A, battling past a resilient Lecce side fighting hard against relegation. Roma, sitting sixth with 51 points, sought to maintain their European qualification hopes. Meanwhile, 18th-placed Lecce, on 27 points, desperately needed points to climb out of the drop zone.
The first half saw AS Roma dominate possession, dictating play with 67% of the ball. However, they struggled to break down Lecce's disciplined defence. Despite their territorial advantage, clear-cut chances remained elusive for the home side.
Lecce remained compact, absorbing pressure and looking for opportunities on the counter. Their defensive solidity ensured a goalless first 45 minutes, frustrating the home crowd.
Both managers made tactical adjustments at halftime. Roma introduced D. Ghilardi for Gianluca Mancini in central defence. Further changes were swiftly made by Roma coach as the second half began.
The second half brought more urgency from the hosts. Just six minutes after the restart, Roma made a significant substitution, bringing on Robinio Vaz for Neil El Aynaoui in the 51st minute. This change proved to be decisive.
Vaz made an immediate impact, finding the net in the 57th minute. The substitute striker guided home a clinical finish. Mario Hermoso provided excellent work and a precise pass, sending the Olimpico into raptures.
With a goal conceded, Lecce responded with a flurry of substitutions, introducing N. Stulic and O. Gandelman in the 61st minute, followed by L. Banda in the 67th minute, aiming to inject fresh attacking impetus. Roma countered these changes with substitutions of their own, bringing on K. Tsimikas and D. Malen in the 75th minute to shore up their lines.
The match grew more fractious in the closing stages, marked by a series of yellow cards. Angeliño, who had come on for Roma, received a booking in the 77th minute. Lecce's Santiago Pierotti followed suit in the 81st minute. Further cautions came for Roma's N. Pisilli in the 89th minute and Lecce's D. Veiga in the 90th minute. This reflected the game's high stakes and growing tension.
Despite Roma's dominance in possession (67%), Lecce actually edged the Expected Goals (xG) metric, posting 1.08 xG. Roma recorded 0.84 xG. The visitors also managed more shots on target (3 to 2) from fewer total shots (8 to 14). This highlighted their efficiency in attack, though they couldn't convert their chances.
The hard-fought win sees AS Roma consolidate their hold on sixth place, keeping their European aspirations alive. For Lecce, the defeat means they remain mired in the relegation zone, facing an uphill battle to secure their Serie A status for next season.
