Roma take 2-0 half-time lead over Yaya Toure’s Slovan Bratislava in Champions League

AS Roma hold a 2-0 advantage over Slovan Bratislava at half-time in their third-day match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

Playing in front of their home supporters at the Stadio Olimpico, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side established control early on and were rewarded with goals from Mario Hermoso and Nahuel Molina. Slovan, managed by Ivorian former midfielder Yaya Toure, have struggled to cope with Roma’s attacking pressure.

Roma’s superiority was reflected in the scoreline in the 21st minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini delivered a precise set-piece towards the far post, where Daniele Ghilardi rose to head the ball back across goal. Mario Hermoso reacted quickest from close range to finish the move and give the hosts the lead.

The goal followed a lively opening in which Roma had already created several opportunities in and around Dominik Takac’s goal. Slovan found it difficult to prevent the Italian side from building pressure and maintaining possession in dangerous areas.

Roma continued to target the spaces on either flank, with Wesley Franca and Nahuel Molina providing width through their forward runs. Their second goal arrived in the 39th minute after Donyell Malen created further problems for the Slovan defence.

Malen moved inside from the wing before striking a shot that Takac managed to repel. Molina was in the right position to collect the rebound and roll the ball into the net, doubling Roma’s lead before the interval.

The result leaves Toure facing a difficult second half as his players have struggled to play the ball out from defence and provide regular service to their attacking players. Tigran Barseghyan had little influence during the opening 45 minutes and was booked for simulation in the 20th minute.

Slovan will need greater control in possession and more effective use of the space available to them on the counter-attack if they are to get back into the match.

Roma, meanwhile, are on course for their first victory of this European campaign. Gasperini’s players will nevertheless need to remain focused after the restart to prevent Slovan from mounting a comeback.