Roma suffered their second defeat of the Europa League group stage this evening, falling to Real Betis 2-1 in the Italian capital.
A late goal from Luiz Henrique secured the Spanish side’s first win over Roma in a European fixture for the first time in 21 games.
The loss also puts Roma’s chances at qualification to the knockouts in serious doubt. The capital club currently sits third in Group C with three points, one behind Ludogorets and six behind Real Betis.
The evening began on a sour note for the capital club. Already without Rick Karsdorp, fellow right back Zeki Çelik suffered a knee injury less than five minutes into the affair and was replaced by Leonardo Spinazzola.
Both sides had scoring opportunities early on but the Spaniards were the more aggressive side in the opening 45 minutes..
Frenchman Nabil Fekir nearly opened the scoring in the 20th minute but his effort was denied by the near post. Just moments later, the former Lyon man pulled up with a muscle injury and was substituted off for Luiz Henrique.
Roma opened the scoring ten minutes before halftime, awarded a penalty by VAR after Aitor Ruibal was ruled to have handed the ball inside his area.
Star man Paulo Dybala sent Claudio Bravo the wrong way, securing his 6th goal of the season in all competitions.
However, their lead was short-lived. Midfielder Guido Rodríguez grabbed an equaliser just before halftime after his laser shot from outside the area found the back of the net.
Following the break, the Giallorossi came out swinging. Dybala and Bryan Cristante both had good opportunities to score but failed to convert.
With a draw appearing certain, Real Betis forward Luiz Henrique flipped the script, scoring a late headed goal to secure a win for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.