Edinson Cavani scored a goal in either half to take United through despite AS Roma's three second half goals in a 13-goal two-legged semi-final thriller(8-5aggregate).
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Manchester United lost 3-2 to AS Roma in the Europa League semi-final second leg, but entered the final with an aggregate score of 8-5. Edinson Cavani scored a goal in each half to deny AS Roma any hopes of a comeback. The home side scored three goals in the second half. Edin Dzeko, Bryan Cristante and Alex Telles own goal gave United some nervous moments. Man United goalkeeper had a superb night to deny the home team any hopes of a miraculous comeback. Man United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reached his first major final after losing in four semifinals before.
Cavani opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Midfielder Fred gave the through ball to Cavani after some fine inter-play with Bruno Fernandes. The United striker smashed the ball past Roma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante to make it 1-0 for United. Roma equalized through Edin Dzeko in the 56th minute. Mkhitaryan’s cross from the left side found Pedro at the far post. The former Barcelona man’s shot became an assist for Dzeko, who headed the ball in.
Three minutes after the equalizer, Roma got the lead through Bryan Cristante. Fred lost the ball just outside the penalty area. The Italian midfielder’s first-time attempt from inside the penalty box went past United goalkeeper De Gea. Cavani got his fourth goal of the tie in the 68th minute. Bruno Fernandes’ right footed in-swinging cross from the left side was calmly headed in by the 34-year old striker to make the score 2-2. Roma got their third goal of the night courtesy of an own goal by Alex Telles in the 83rd minute.
David de Gea had an impressive game for United as the Spanish goalkeeper made a number of superb saves to deny Roma any chance of a miraculous come back in the tie. Early in the game, De Gea denied Mancini’s with a superb save from close range. Pellegrini’s low drive from the left side of the penalty area was well saved by the Spanish goalkeeper at the near post. On the hour mark, he made two excellent back-to-back saves to deny Dzeko from close range and Pedro’s shot from the rebound.
Roma needed to win the match by four goals after losing the first leg 6-2 at Old Trafford. If not for De Gea’s heroics, Roma would have certainly threatened to take the game deep. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are through to their first major final after winning the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United will play Villarreal in the final on May 26 at the Gdansk.
