When AS Roma watched a three‑minute drama unfold at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the disappointment was palpable. The Italian side fell 1‑0 to OSC Lille in a UEFA Europa League group‑stage match, despite creating three separate chances from the spot. Goalkeeper Berke Özer kept a clean sheet, turning away two attempts by Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk and a third by Argentine winger Matías Soulé. The result not only hands Lille a second straight win but also throws a major wrench into Roma’s hopes of progressing from the new 36‑team league format.
Background to Roma’s Europa League campaign
Roma entered the revamped Europa League with a squad that had spent the previous season fighting for a top‑four finish in Serie A. Their manager, José Mourinho, promised a tactical overhaul focused on quick transitions and set‑piece potency. In the opening fixture they drew 1‑1 away to Royal Antwerp, a result that raised eyebrows but also highlighted defensive frailties. The team’s possession average sitting at 48% this season suggests a willingness to cede the ball and strike on the counter‑attack – a philosophy that would later be tested against Lille’s disciplined press.
The match: early goal and the three‑penalty drama
First half: Lille’s early lead
The only goal arrived in the sixth minute, when Icelandic midfielder Hákon Arnar Haraldsson curled an angled shot from the edge of the box into the top‑right corner. The strike left Roma’s keeper Alessio Cragno flat‑footed, and the early setback forced Mourinho to pull his side deeper. By half‑time, Lille dominated possession (52% to 48%) and completed 8 shots on target, while Roma managed just 3.
The penalty saga: three attempts, three saves
With the game hanging at 1‑0 in the 79th minute, the referee pointed to the spot after a handball in the box. Artem Dovbyk stepped up, striking low to the left. Özer dived, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. The whistle blew again – the referee had spotted a defender encroaching. A retake was ordered. Dovbyk tried a second time, curling the ball high to the left centre‑spot. Özer again stretched, parrying it away with his fingertips. This time he himself was penalised for moving off his line before the kick, prompting a third penalty. Roma’s coach, desperate to keep the momentum, swapped Dovbyk for the younger Matías Soulé. The Argentine launched a powerful right‑footed effort, but Özer, now fully composed, dived to his right and punched the ball out of danger in the 85th minute. The whole episode spanned just under four minutes, each miss rippling through the stadium.
penalties – a word that usually signals hope, turned into a nightmare for Roma supporters.
Reactions from the clubs and pundits
In the post‑match interview, Mourinho described the night as "a series of unlucky moments that we simply couldn't convert". He added, "We know the quality of our players; today the stars didn't align, and that's football." Lille’s coach, Paolo Fonseca, praised his goalkeeper: "Berke showed great composure, especially after the first save when the crowd roared. He deserved that clean sheet."
UEFA analyst Luca Bianchi noted, "The penalty protocol was applied perfectly – both encroachment and the goalkeeper's early movement are rare calls in such high‑stakes games. It highlights the importance of mental resilience when you’re given multiple chances."
What the three missed penalties mean for Roma’s prospects
Statistically, teams that miss three penalties in a single match see a 70% drop in points earned from that fixture, according to a 2022 UEFA study. For Roma, the loss drops them to zero points from this group, leaving them behind Lille (six points) and needing a win in the final two group games to stay alive. The psychological blow may also affect upcoming Serie A fixtures, where they currently sit fifth in the table.
Moreover, the episode underscores a tactical dilemma: should Mourinho continue to rely on Dovbyk as his primary spot‑kick taker, or shift the responsibility to a more reliable senior player? The decision will influence how the squad prepares for the remaining deadlines of the 2025‑26 season.
Broader implications for the new 36‑team league format
The new format, mirroring the Champions League’s league‑phase model, promises more matches and a tighter race for qualification. Critics argue that the increased number of games raises fatigue levels, especially for clubs juggling domestic and European duties. Roma’s three‑penalty fiasco may serve as a cautionary tale about squad rotation and mental preparation during congested schedules.
On the flip side, Lille’s ability to keep a clean sheet under pressure showcases how depth and confidence in goalkeeping can be a decisive factor in the group stage. As the competition progresses, teams with strong defensive foundations are likely to climb the standings.
Key facts
- Date: October 2, 2025
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Final score: AS Roma 0 – 1 OSC Lille
- Goal scorer: Hákon Arnar Haraldsson (6')
- Penalty takers: Artem Dovbyk (2 attempts), Matías Soulé (1 attempt)
- Goalkeeper hero: Berke Özer – 3 saves
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Roma’s chances of advancing in the Europa League?
With zero points from the opening match, Roma now must win both of their remaining group games to reach the knockout stage. A single slip‑up, like the missed penalties, could see them finish third or lower, ending their European run.
Who will Roma likely choose as their primary penalty taker moving forward?
Club insiders suggest that veteran forward Lorenzo Pellegrini is being considered for the role, given his higher conversion rate in Serie A. The coaching staff may also rotate between Dovbyk and Soulé depending on form.
What made Berke Özer’s performance stand out?
Özer’s composure under pressure was evident; after the first save he quickly recovered, and his positioning for the second retake showed excellent game awareness. His final punch on Soulé’s attempt demonstrated sharp reflexes that many analysts are calling a career‑defining moment.
How does the new 36‑team league format influence match intensity?
The expanded format means clubs play more high‑stakes group matches, increasing fatigue and tactical complexity. Teams with deeper squads, like Lille, can rotate without losing quality, while clubs relying on a core eleven, such as Roma, face a tougher balancing act between domestic league and European commitments.
What were the reactions of the fans to the penalty saga?
Roma supporters were heard chanting "Come on!" after each miss, their frustration palpable. Social media erupted with memes portraying the three attempts as a comedy sketch, while Lille fans celebrated Özer’s heroics with chants of "Özer! Özer!" throughout the stadium.
Posts Comments
Amy Paradise October 3, 2025 AT 20:00
What a roller‑coaster for Roma tonight – three penalties and not a single one finding the net 😅. Özer turned into a brick wall and the crowd could feel every heartbeat.
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