GAME 13 – AL AHLI vs ROMA
An injury and two dismissals saw Roma reduced to eight men in jaw-dropping fashion as Al Ahli ran out 3-1 victors. Bold refereeing decisions and flared tempers saw Italian forwards Luca Petrungaro and Nicolò De Angelis receive red cards – after the Italians had already gone down to 10 men having used all their substitutes – in what proved to be one of Al Kass 2017’s most startling matches.
With neither side able to advance into the knockout stages, Al Ahli and AS Roma were looking to end their campaigns on a high. The Italians’ inconsistency in front of the net had seen them muster only one goal in their previous two matches, while their Saudi counterparts missed out on a quarter-final spot due to their defensive instability. Despite beating French giants PSG in remarkable fashion, the 6-1 thrashing that Al Ahli received earlier in the week proved too much of a shortfall to recover from.
Both teams looked to show their worth from the first whistle, with changes in shape and tactics seen from the off. Al Ahli looked to keep their full-back on a shorter leash, with their natural attacking work rate clearly a topic of discussion before kick-off. Roma, on the other hand, demonstrated their offensive capability for the first time, looking to create opportunities from open play rather than relying on set pieces.
It took only two minutes for the Italians to cause concern for Ahli keeper Anas Alshamrani. Salvatore Pezzella did well to keep the ball in play, but his driven cross proved too much for Petrungaro to control from six yards, with his shot flying over the bar.
Pezzella had started well, with his passing play an integral part of The Wolves’ threat going forward. His impressive vision and ability to pick out teammates left Al Ahli stranded from the early stages, through balls and snappy one twos all reaching their intended targets.
A period of pressure on the Saudi team’s goal brought in a succession of Roma corners, one of which resulted in a 23rd minute opener when the ball arrived low at the feet of centre-back Daniele Trasciani, whose well-timed volley left the keeper with little chance.
It didn’t take long for Al Ahli to bite back, also scoring following a corner ball. Midfielder Ziyad Aljohani connected with the cross, and keeper Alessio Pagliarini was sent the wrong way when the ball deflected off Devid Bouah and trickled into the unguarded side of the net.
The goal gave the KSA team the boost they needed, and their newfound determination saw them leading just before the break. A simple pass from midfield split the Roma defence, and Haitham Asiri made no mistake in putting his side in front with an accomplished finish into the bottom corner.
Desperate to equalise, Roma made three changes at half time, a decision that would later come back to haunt them.
With both sides looking for goals, chances were being created at either end. A 61st minute effort from Hussain Muyini exhibited his quick feet and desire to score. An outstretched leg stabbed the ball past the keeper but bounced off the post before being cleared. The scare saw more Roma players come off the bench as Ahli once again piled on the pressure.
An aerial battle following a Roma corner saw Alshamrani rush from his line to punch the ball away. However, instead of connecting with the cross, goalscorer Trasciana took the force of the blow and fell to the floor. Having used up all five substitutes, the Italians were reduced to ten men and all hope of clawing their way back into contention dwindled when Muyini eventually found himself on the scoresheet. His impressive ball control got the better of the defence once again as he wriggled through towards goal. Having been denied earlier he made sure the second time around, and a powerful shot that went in off Pagliarini gave his side a comfortable two-goal lead.
In what looked like a certain Al Ahli win, Roma were given a shred of hope in the shape of an 81st minute penalty. Manaf Abuyabs brought Petrungaro down just inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot.
Petrungaro stepped up but, despite driving the ball home to make the score 3-2, a stutter in his run up saw him receive a second yellow. Referee Meshaari Al Shammari withdrew the penalty and the striker was sent to the stands, with Roma players surrounding the ref in protest and coaching staff pleading with the fourth official, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.
Moments later, play was pulled back for an Ahli free kick when Nicolò De Angelis lashed out in frustration, kicking Abdullah Fadaili in the process. The referee rushed over and gave the forward a straight red, reducing the Italian side to eight.
A dispirited Roma team – or what was left of it – struggled to contain their frustration, and saw out the remainder of the match in numbed disbelief. However, in a final moment of madness they were awarded yet another penalty, seconds before full time. Ludovico D’orazio ensured there was no hesitation in his run up and scored with ease. The game finished 3-2 in Al Ahli’s favour, but the scoreline told only part of the story.
