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Lorenzo Pellegrini and Roger Ibanez scored the second half goals for Paulo Fonseca’s side, cancelling out Davy Klaassen’s first half finish for the hosts.
In truth it was four minutes early in the second half that turned the game around – as Pau Lopez saved a Dusan Tadic penalty before Lorenzo Pellegrini steered home a free-kick.
From staring at a 2-0 deficit to being back on level terms and with an away goal to their credit, that positive momentum proved crucial as Ibanez then lashed in a sweetly-struck volley in the final few minutes.
It was a brilliant goal from the Argentine to decide the leg - and give Roma the advantage heading into next Thursday's second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.
Prior to that the Giallorossi are in Serie A action on Sunday: Bologna are the visitors to the capital.
AJAX 1-2 ROMA
SCORERS: Klaassen (39'), Pellegrini (57'), Ibanez (88')
AJAX (4-3-3): Scherpen; Rensch (Klaiber), Timber, Martinez, Tagliafico; Alvarez, Klaassen, Gravenberch; Antony (Idrissi), Tadic, Neres (Brobbey) ‘
Unused subs: Kotarski, Reiziger, Ekkelenkamp, Kudus, Traorè, Taylor, Kasanwirjo, Timber
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Pau Lopez; Ibanez, Cristante, Mancini; Peres, Diawara, Veretout (Villar), Spinazzola (Calafiori); Pedro (Perez), Pellegrini; Dzeko (Mayoral)
Unused subs: Mirante, Fuzato, Santon, Mayoral, Ciervo, Calafiori, Milanese
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