Sparta Prague 1-2 Roma Women: Deserved comeback raises group stage hopes

Alessandro Spugna’s side will go into next Thursday's game with the advantage in the European tie, after a first leg display in the Czech Republic that was eventually rewarded with the result the Giallorosse’s efforts surely deserved.

Veteran Lucie Martinkova got the opening goal of the game for the hosts early in the second half, only for club captain Elisa Bartoli to cancel it out with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Emilie Haavi then found the top corner from an unlikely angle in the final moments of the game; a potentially decisive intervention that could have a pivotal impact next week.

A win or a draw for Roma in Rome will send them into the group stage of this season’s competition - although extra-time and penalties (as were needed to surpass Paris FC in the previous round) remain a lingering possibility.

“I think we were shocked a bit by their physicality in the beginning,” Haavi said.

“But then we started to create chances and we deserved to win in the end. But it was tough.

“I am glad to have scored and helped the team … now we want to make it through to the group stage.”

Spugna’s side started steadily but slowly grew into the contest, creating the better of the first half chances as both Giada Greggi and Andressa Alves went close.

Martinkova’s goal barely five minutes after the restart was something of a body blow for the Giallorosse - who nevertheless responded positively as substitutes Benedetta Glionna and Paloma Lazaro immediately made their presence known.

In the end it was Bartoli who scored the all-important equaliser, however, as she was in the right place at the right time to convert from a corner.

With time running out, the irrepressible Haavi then earned her side the victory their performance probably warranted; steering home from distance to spark wild celebrations.

"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game today," Spugna said.

"We made a mistake for their goal but we did a good job of not letting that affect us and slowly worked our way back into the game.

"The performance was really, really good tonight. It's always nice to win a game in the 90th minute as well!"

See more photos from the game in our gallery below!

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