Lazio-Porto: Pagelle Europa League - A Night of Missed Opportunities
Lazio faced Porto in a thrilling Europa League encounter, showcasing both brilliance and frustration. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both sides with mixed feelings. Let's delve into the individual performances with our detailed match ratings.
Lazio
Provedel (6.5): A solid performance from Provedel, making some crucial saves and maintaining a steady presence in the Lazio goal. He displayed good anticipation and composure, limiting the danger posed by the Porto attack.
Marusic (6.0): Marusic provided solid defensive cover down the right flank. He was efficient in his tackles and interceptions, but lacked the offensive spark to truly impact the game.
Casale (6.5): Casale was a rock at the heart of the Lazio defense. He was dominant in the air, winning numerous aerial duels and proving a difficult obstacle for Porto's attackers.
Romagnoli (6.0): A solid display from Romagnoli, who formed a reliable partnership with Casale. While he lacked the same commanding presence as his defensive partner, he remained steadfast and dependable.
Hysaj (6.5): Hysaj showcased his versatility and defensive prowess down the left flank. He was reliable in defending against Porto's dangerous wingers and even managed to contribute offensively.
Milinkovic-Savic (7.0): The Serbian maestro was Lazio's most creative force. He controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo and finding key passes for his teammates. His vision and passing range were crucial to Lazio's attacking threat.
Luis Alberto (6.5): Luis Alberto was involved in the thick of the action, showing his usual flair and creativity. He provided accurate passes and a constant attacking threat, but his impact could have been greater.
Basic (6.0): Basic worked hard in the midfield, winning tackles and providing defensive cover. He lacked the same attacking potency as his teammates, but his contributions were valuable.
Felipe Anderson (7.0): Felipe Anderson was a constant threat down the right flank. He dribbled past defenders with ease, creating dangerous opportunities for Lazio. His pace and creativity proved troublesome for Porto.
Immobile (6.5): Immobile was a focal point of Lazio's attack. He was unlucky not to score, coming close on several occasions. His movement and hold-up play were crucial to Lazio's attacking structure.
Zaccagni (6.0): Zaccagni was a lively presence on the pitch, showcasing his pace and dribbling skills. However, he struggled to make a decisive impact in the final third, failing to translate his efforts into clear-cut chances.
Substitutes:
- Vecino (6.0): Vecino came on to provide solidity and experience in the midfield, adding to Lazio's defensive stability.
- Pedro (6.5): Pedro provided a spark in the final stages of the match, injecting pace and creativity into the Lazio attack.
Porto
Costa (6.0): Costa was a solid presence in the Porto goal. He made some crucial saves, especially in the first half, but he was ultimately helpless to prevent Lazio's equalizer.
João Mário (6.5): João Mário was Porto's most creative player in the midfield. He dictated the tempo and provided accurate passes for his teammates, orchestrating their attacking moves.
Eustáquio (6.5): Eustáquio worked tirelessly in midfield, winning tackles and providing defensive cover. He was a key component in Porto's dominance in midfield.
Pepe (6.0): Pepe, despite his age, displayed his trademark strength and experience in the heart of the Porto defense. He was a rock at the back, winning numerous aerial duels and providing crucial interceptions.
Marcano (5.5): Marcano had a mixed game, making some crucial interceptions but also appearing vulnerable at times. He struggled to cope with Lazio's pace and movement.
Sandro (6.0): Sandro provided a strong presence down the left flank for Porto. He made some crucial tackles and interceptions, but lacked the same attacking threat as some of his teammates.
Otavio (6.0): Otavio had a quiet game, failing to replicate his usual creativity and attacking prowess. He struggled to impose his influence on the match.
Taremi (6.5): Taremi was a constant threat to the Lazio defense. He was a powerful presence in the box, showcasing his ability to hold up the ball and create scoring opportunities.
Evanilson (6.0): Evanilson worked hard on the right flank, creating some promising moments. However, his finishing was lacking, and he failed to truly capitalize on the opportunities he created.
Galeno (5.5): Galeno struggled to impose himself on the match. He lacked the necessary pace and precision to truly impact the game, failing to make a significant contribution.
Substitutes:
- Grujic (6.0): Grujic added defensive solidity in the midfield, helping Porto regain control in the closing stages of the match.
- Wendell (5.5): Wendell provided a threat down the left flank, showcasing his pace and dribbling skills, but his impact was limited.
Conclusion
Lazio and Porto played out an intense and engaging encounter, showcasing the quality of both teams. While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the performance of both teams left a lot to be desired. Despite the lack of a clear victor, the night provided glimpses of individual brilliance and tactical battles, leaving fans eager for the return leg.