Malen’s early penalty is overturned by goals from Douvikas and Diego Carlos as Como defeat Roma on Serie A Matchday 29.
Como secured a crucial 2–1 victory over Roma in a direct clash for Champions League places, completing a second-half comeback that lifts Cesc Fabregas’ side in the standings.
Roma initially took the lead through Donyell Malen, but goals from substitute Tasos Douvikas and defender Diego Carlos turned the match around for the hosts. The defeat marks Roma’s second consecutive loss and drops them to sixth place, now behind Juventus in the race for European qualification.
The game started at a high tempo. Como created the first opportunity after just three minutes when Maxence Caqueret found space inside the area following a corner routine, but his shot was blocked.
Moments later came the first major turning point. In the sixth minute Sergi Roberto misplaced a pass toward Diego Carlos, allowing Stephan El Shaarawy to intercept the ball and win a penalty. Malen stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to give Roma an early 1–0 lead.
Como responded well and began to build attacking pressure. Nico Paz nearly equalized in the 15th minute after receiving a pass from Smolcic, but Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar produced an excellent save to deny him. The hosts continued to threaten, with chances for Alex Valle and Ramon before halftime, though neither attempt found the net.
Roma also had to survive another scare just before the break when a well-worked Como move ended with Nico Paz firing over the crossbar from a promising position.
The second half saw Como gradually increase their intensity. In the 59th minute the hosts found the equalizer through substitute Douvikas. Alex Valle delivered a perfectly timed pass into space, and the Greek striker finished calmly with a low shot past Svilar.
The match grew increasingly intense, with chances at both ends. Roma nearly regained the lead on the counterattack, but Malen failed to convert a promising opportunity.
Another decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute when Roma were reduced to ten men. Wesley received a second yellow card for a foul on Diao, leaving the visitors a man down for the final stages.
Como took advantage of their numerical superiority and continued to press forward. The decisive goal arrived in the 79th minute. Svilar initially saved Smolcic’s shot, but the rebound fell perfectly for Diego Carlos, who reacted quickly and finished from close range to make it 2–1.
The hosts nearly added a third when Lucas Da Cunha struck the crossbar late on, but the comeback was already complete.
The victory represents a major step forward for Como in the battle for European qualification, while Roma’s defeat further complicates their Champions League ambitions.
Match Report
Como 2-1 Roma
Goals:
7’ Malen (Roma), 59’ Douvikas (Como), 79’ Diego Carlos (Como)
Como (3-4-2-1):
Butez; Diego Carlos, Ramon, Kempf (46’ Douvikas); Smolcic, Da Cunha (87’ Brempt), Sergi Roberto (46’ Diao), Alex Valle; Nico Paz (77’ J. Rodriguez), Caqueret (67’ Perrone); Baturina.
Coach: Cesc Fabregas
Roma (3-4-2-1):
Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso (70’ Ziolkowski); Celik (70’ Tsimikas), Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Pellegrini (67’ Pisilli), El Shaarawy; Malen (67’ Robinio Vaz).
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Referee: Massa
Yellow Cards: Wesley, Caqueret, Diego Carlos, Ghilardi
Red Cards: Wesley (Roma)
