The Talking Point: Superb Pau Lopez keeps it clean

Stephan El Shaaraway may take the headlines for his stunning first Roma goal since the Italy international returned to the club in January, but Pau Lopez deserves plenty of credit too - after an exemplary performance at the other end that helped the Giallorossi put themselves one step closer to the Europa League quarter-finals.

The Spaniard was at his best to ensure Roma avoided conceding any away goals, with the 3-0 lead they take to Kiev next Thursday looking in fine health as a result.

Lopez’s was one of a number of fine performances from the hosts who came up a Shakhtar side who had their fair share of chances, with the Roma goalkeeper making four saves across the course of the 90 minutes - two of which, in particular, were critical.

Both denied Junior Moraes from finding the back of the net with Roma just one goal to the good, and either would have entirely changed the complexion of the tie were it not for Lopez’s intervention.

The first - just 27 minutes in - was truly outstanding, with Lopez rushing off his line to deny Moraes from point-blank range.

Moraes had been found after the visitors for once caught Roma cold on the counter and Gianluca Mancini unfortunately lost his footing, but the awareness, rapid reactions and outstretched frame of Lopez all combined to produce a world-class stop.

‘Make yourself big’, is the expression that comes to mind, and Lopez suddenly cut a positively Hulk-like figure in his all-green ‘keeper’s kit as he instantly closed down the space between Moraes and the Roma goal.

Lopez was then on hand to tip wide Tete’s effort from the edge of the area shortly after the restart, but it was his 67th minute save to keep Moraes at bay for the second time that helped tee up Roma’s rampant end to the game.

Ismaily’s deflected cutback from the byline eventually found its way to Moraes, again just yards from goal, but the Ukraine international found Lopez unbeatable as his effort was parried to safety.

Just six minutes later, Roma had their second and by the end of the night had secured a 3-0 lead that means any Giallorossi goals in the second leg will further drive home their already considerable advantage.

A sole Shakhtar strike at the Stadio Olimpico would have entirely shifted the dynamic of the tie at its halfway stage but, thanks to Lopez’s performance, the scales are leaning in Roma’s favour.

Lopez has now kept five clean sheets in eight Europa League appearances this season and the Spain international has helped his side pick up five from their last eight in all competitions.

This was arguably the most important of them so far, however - and underlines how the goalkeeper is starting to find his very best form just as the season reaches a crucial juncture.