MY ACCOUNT
Gianluca Mancini’s own goal helped Leicester City earn a 1-1 draw with Roma in their Europa Conference League semi-final first leg.
Appearing at this stage in European competition for the third time in five years, Jose Mourinho’s side took a 15th-minute lead at the King Power Stadium through Lorenzo Pellegrini.
But the hosts equalised midway through the second half when Mancini inadvertently turned Harvey Barnes’ cross into his own net.
It was enough to ensure a share of the spoils and leave the tie finely poised ahead of next week’s second leg at Stadio Olimpico.
Leicester made a positive start to what was their first European semi-final. Just four minutes had passed when Timothy Castagne headed wide from a James Maddison corner.
Despite enjoying just 35 per cent of possession inside the opening quarter of an hour, Roma took the lead when Pellegrini latched onto Nicola Zalewski’s throughball before drilling through the legs of Kasper Schmeichel.
The Foxes, who lost Castagne to injury soon after, looked to respond. Chris Smalling made an important block to deny Lookman, who also stung the palms of Rui Patricio from 20 yards.
Lookman then squandered a decent opportunity to equalise early in the second half; heading Marc Albrighton’s corner over from inside the six-yard box.
But Brendan Rodgers’ side were not to be denied in the 67th minute as, under pressure from Lookman, Mancini turned into his own net from point-blank range after excellent work from Barnes.
The hosts pushed for the winner with Kelechi Iheanacho going close, but they had to settle for a stalemate.
What does it mean? Everything to play for
Nothing could separate the two sides after the opening 90 minutes of this semi-final.
Leicester have now lost just once in their last 17 European matches on home soil, while Roma have only tasted victory once in 22 visits to England.
Lookman impresses
Lookman produced a tireless performance for the Leicester cause, with his pressure leading to the all-important equaliser.
The forward led the way with the most shots from inside the box (three) and most shots on target (two) throughout the contest.
Meanwhile, his tally of 16 duels was only bettered by Tammy Abraham and James Justin (both 17).
A quiet one for Vardy
Making his first European home start in 14 months, Jamie Vardy’s lack of sharpness was evident.
Tight marking from the Roma defence limited him to just 21 touches and eight accurate passes – both the lowest of any starting player for Leicester.
What’s next?
This tie draws to a dramatic climax at Stadio Olimpico next Thursday. Before that, the teams return to domestic action on Sunday with Leicester travelling to Tottenham in the Premier League, while Roma host Bologna in Serie A.
