The match between Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and AS Roma in the 2024 UEFA Europa League Round of 16 captivated football fans worldwide. As both teams clashed in a battle of talent, tactics, and passion, the lineups played a crucial role in shaping the course of the two-legged encounter. This article delves into the lineups of both teams, the tactical approaches, key moments, and what fans and experts alike were curious about regarding these matches. We’ll explore everything from player performances to insights into each team’s strategies and more.
Clash: Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs AS Roma
Brighton & Hove Albion, a rising force in English football, found themselves competing at the highest level in European competition. The team’s performance in the Premier League had earned them a spot in the UEFA Europa League, and their journey to the Round of 16 placed them against the experienced Italian side, AS Roma. On the other hand, Roma, led by their charismatic manager José Mourinho, were no strangers to European glory, and their presence in the competition highlighted their ambition to challenge for European success once again.
The clash between these two sides was one that generated a lot of excitement, as fans anticipated an intriguing matchup between Brighton’s attacking philosophy and Roma’s tactical discipline.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Lineup: A Look at Roberto De Zerbi’s Tactics
Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton’s manager, has been known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on possession-based football. Under his stewardship, Brighton has evolved into one of the most technically proficient teams in the Premier League, focusing on fluid attacking play, quick transitions, and an ability to control possession in tight spaces.
For the first leg of the Round of 16 against AS Roma, De Zerbi fielded a well-balanced lineup designed to neutralize Roma’s counter-attacking style while also exploiting any gaps left in Roma’s defense. Brighton’s lineup in the first leg on March 7, 2024, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome saw the following players:
Goalkeeper: Jason Steele
Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk (captain), and Igor dos Santos de Paulo
Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Pascal Groß, and Facundo Buonanotte
Forwards: Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, and Danny Welbeck
Brighton’s formation was designed to facilitate possession and movement in the final third, with Gilmour and Groß dictating the tempo of the game from midfield. Meanwhile, Lamptey and Buonanotte’s pace and width on the wings were intended to stretch Roma’s defensive setup, creating space for Welbeck and Enciso to exploit.
In the second leg on March 14, 2024, at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, the lineup was slightly adjusted as De Zerbi looked to overturn the deficit from the first leg:
Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk (captain), Pervis Estupiñán
Midfielders: Pascal Groß, Billy Gilmour, and Adam Lallana
Forwards: Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, and Danny Welbeck
In the second leg, De Zerbi opted for a more balanced approach, hoping to be more compact defensively while still retaining their attacking potency. Lallana’s experience in midfield helped bolster the team’s control and creativity, while Estupiñán’s attacking overlap on the left flank was intended to break down Roma’s defense.
AS Roma Lineup: José Mourinho’s Tactical Approach
AS Roma, under José Mourinho, have developed a reputation for being tactically astute, with an emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency. Roma’s approach in Europe has often been to weather the storm and capitalize on key moments, especially through their world-class attacking talents.
In the first leg on March 7, 2024, Roma fielded the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
Defenders: Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Leonardo Spinazzola
Midfielders: Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini (captain)
Forwards: Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, and Nicolò Zaniolo
Mourinho’s tactical setup allowed Roma to remain compact defensively, with the midfield trio of Cristante, Paredes, and Pellegrini acting as a solid block to protect the back four. This defensive resilience was paired with the attacking prowess of Dybala, Lukaku, and Zaniolo, who were tasked with exploiting Brighton’s defensive gaps.
In the second leg on March 14, Roma made some adjustments to their lineup:
Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
Defenders: Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Leonardo Spinazzola
Midfielders: Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Edoardo Bove
Forwards: Nicolò Zaniolo, Sardar Azmoun, and Tommaso Baldanzi
Mourinho’s changes in the second leg were tactical, aiming to protect Roma’s aggregate lead while maintaining offensive threat. Zaniolo’s presence continued to provide Roma with width, while Azmoun and Baldanzi added fresh legs to the forward line.
Key Players in the Brighton & Hove Albion vs. AS Roma Matches
The first leg at the Stadio Olimpico was a challenging one for Brighton, as Roma dominated the match, securing a 4-0 victory. Paulo Dybala’s brilliant display, scoring the opening goal and contributing to Roma’s offensive play, was a standout performance. Romelu Lukaku’s presence in the final third proved to be a nightmare for Brighton’s defense, and Gianluca Mancini’s header capped off a dominant display by Roma.
Brighton, however, showed resilience, with goalkeeper Jason Steele making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided. Despite the defeat, Brighton’s attacking threats, particularly from Julio Enciso and Simon Adingra, showed promise for the second leg.
The second leg at the Amex Stadium saw Brighton secure a 1-0 victory, with Danny Welbeck’s goal in the 37th minute. This was a rare highlight for the Seagulls, who battled hard to try and turn the tie around. However, Roma’s defense, led by Gianluca Mancini and the ever-reliable Rick Karsdorp, held firm, and despite their best efforts, Brighton couldn’t find another goal to make up for the aggregate deficit.
FAQs
What were the lineups for the Brighton & Hove Albion vs. AS Roma match on March 7, 2024?
In the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, both teams fielded strong lineups. Brighton started with goalkeeper Jason Steele, defenders Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk (captain), and Igor dos Santos de Paulo. The midfield comprised Billy Gilmour, Pascal Groß, and Facundo Buonanotte, with Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, and Danny Welbeck leading the attack. AS Roma’s lineup featured goalkeeper Mile Svilar, defenders Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, and Leonardo Spinazzola. The midfield included Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, and Lorenzo Pellegrini (captain), with Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, and Nicolò Zaniolo in the forward positions.
How did Brighton & Hove Albion perform in the first leg against AS Roma?
In the first leg on March 7, 2024, Brighton & Hove Albion faced a challenging match against AS Roma. Despite a valiant effort, Brighton was defeated 4-0. The goals for Roma were scored by Paulo Dybala (12′), Romelu Lukaku (43′), Gianluca Mancini (64′), and Bryan Cristante (68′).
What was the outcome of the second leg between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma?
The second leg on March 14, 2024, saw Brighton & Hove Albion secure a 1-0 victory over AS Roma. The only goal of the match was scored by Danny Welbeck in the 37th minute. This result, however, was not enough to overturn the aggregate score from the first leg, leading to Roma’s advancement in the competition.
How did the tactical approaches differ between the two matches?
In the first leg, AS Roma adopted an aggressive attacking strategy, capitalizing on early goals to establish control. Brighton struggled to contain Roma’s offensive play, leading to a significant deficit. Conversely, in the second leg, Brighton implemented a more defensive approach, aiming to protect their home ground and secure a win. AS Roma, with a comfortable aggregate lead, played a more conservative game, focusing on maintaining their advantage.
In Summary
The encounters between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma in the 2024 UEFA Europa League were a fascinating clash of footballing philosophies. Brighton’s possession play and Roma’s counter-attacking strategies made for an engaging spectacle, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.
For Brighton, the matches were a chance to measure themselves against one of Europe’s top sides, providing valuable lessons for future European campaigns. For Roma, it was another chapter in their quest for European success under José Mourinho, demonstrating their ability to grind out results when it matters most.
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