Sunrisers to take on Mumbai Indians today
Paris, April 16: Roma lined up a blockbuster Europa League semifinal clash with Manchester United on Thursday after holding Ajax to a 1-1 draw to go through to the Last Four 3-2 on aggregate.
Edin Dzeko’s strike 18 minutes from time ensured the draw and passage for Paulo Fonseca’s side, who were on the back foot for most of the match, and a showdown with United who strolled into the semis 4-0 after a 2-0 win over Granada at Old Trafford. The other semifinal will see Arsenal face Villarreal, coached by former Gunners boss Unai Emery.
Italy’s only remaining representative in Europe came into the clash at the Stadio Olimpico with a slender lead but two away goals from last week’s first leg in Amsterdam.
Their European campaign looked in danger when Ajax teen Brian Brobbey was introduced for Antony at the break and the striker made an instant impact, racing onto Perr Schuurs pass three minutes after the restart and nipped the ball past an onrushing Pau
Lopez.
However after Dusan Tadic’s strike for the away side six minutes later was ruled out for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the build up, Dzeko tipped the tie in Roma’s favour.
Meanwhile, United had few problems against Granada, who had a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 2-0 in Spain.
Edinson Cavani opened the scoring after just five minutes to put United ahead but Jesus Vallejo’s last-minute own goal sealed the win for United, who could yet have an allEnglish final with Arsenal.
The Gunners will face Villarreal in a fortnight after thumping Slavia Prague 4-0 to go through 51 on aggregate.
Behind on away goals thanks to Tomas Holes’ stoppage-time leveller at the Emirates Stadium last week, Arsenal ended Slavia’s 23-match unbeaten run thanks to a sixminute blitz from Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka in the first half. —