European Notebook: Creating history in five-star style!

Put Roma Women and St. Polten on the same pitch as each other and it seems unavoidable that there will be a plethora of goals – particularly of the late variety.

Fortunately, upon their second meeting of the Champions League group stage – unlike the frantic first, in which Roma went through a rollercoaster of emotions as they recovered from a deficit that they never really should have been in to earn a 4-3 win – every goal was this time in their favour.

Indeed, via their 5-0 triumph (with four goals coming in the last 10 minutes, in yet another example of them taking advantage of their persistence and pressure), Roma secured their qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League with one game to spare.

After Annamaria Serturini’s first ever Champions League goal, there were eventually braces for Benedetta Glionna and Manuela Giugliano to assure Roma of at least second place in their group – and consequently a spot in the quarter-finals.

Their debut Champions League campaign has been something of a dream so far, and it will be continuing in 2023.

1. FINDING A WAY TO PLAY

The match hadn’t even reached seven minutes when the players had to be directed back to the changing rooms because of the adverse weather conditions that were negatively affecting the movement of the ball.

After a delay of around an hour and 20 minutes, proceedings could resume. Still, even though the surface was now playable, both sides would have to think carefully about adjusting their usual styles.

To start with, Roma stuck to their principles in the tough conditions. As a possession-based side, they continued to play their passing game, utilising the traits that they know usually work for them.

Over time, though, they began to open things up with longer-range actions to find teammates – an approach that became justified.

For instance, Serturini’s opener was set up by a perceptive through ball from Giugliano, and the concluding goal from Glionna came courtesy of an even more expansive assist through the air from Emilie Haavi.

Glionna herself had already assisted the first of Giugliano’s two goals with a cross, which was another strategy that Alessandro Spugna’s side used to good effect throughout.

Thus, Roma developed their understanding of the most effective ways to make use of the ball in the environment they were in.

2. KEEPING COMPOSURE

Despite the challenges posed by the conditions, the core of Roma’s lineup remained relatively composed throughout.

The centre-back partnership of Elena Linari and Carina Wenninger, plus the midfield combination of Giugliano, Giada Greggi and Andressa Alves, displayed the necessary confidence to keep situations largely under control in and out of possession.

Wenninger and Linari were both involved at the start of the build-up to Serturini’s goal, with the latter expressing particular confidence to turn past a pressing St. Polten attacker before keeping the ball moving.

And in the midfield, Roma found a good balance between substance and style. It was the kind of game made for Greggi, the diminutive but dynamic battler who has become the most combative player in her department, while Giugliano’s influence was obvious and Andressa also showed her class and experience during the hour she was on the pitch.

The backline did have to resist a wave of pressure from St. Polten for a 10- or 15-minute period just after the hour-mark, but they stood firm – with goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar proving herself to be reliable again as well – and provided a platform for those further forward to make their mark on the game in the closing stages.

3. ENJOYING ATTACKING FREEDOM

As the end of the match approached, even with just a one-goal lead, Roma knew the pressure was starting to lift.

Subsequently, they went on to enjoy a burst of attacking activity in the final 10 minutes, increasing the scoreline by four goals to earn their biggest ever European win.

Just like in the reverse fixture, in which they scored with four of the last five of their 34 overall attempts – including long-range efforts from Giugliano and Paloma Lazaro – their efficiency increased towards the end to ensure they claimed all three points. This time, the reward was even greater thanks to the wider implications.

Now officially among the best eight teams in Europe this season, Roma can go into their final group game with the pressure off.

Of course, there is still top spot to play for, but with Wolfsburg one point above in the table, it is out of Roma’s hands.

Hence, the target will be to win against Slavia Prague – as it would be ordinarily anyway – and see what happens.

Throughout the entire course of this Champions League journey, the pressure has been on. The format barely allows a lapse in quality for sides to progress, but Roma have responded well at each stage to get this far.

What they displayed in the last 10 minutes against St. Polten was a sign of Roma in their rhythm, which they should be able to exhibit further in the Czech Republic on matchday six.

Safe in the knowledge that they are going further in the competition, it will be time for Roma to properly take in and enjoy the Champions League experience – and they have just shown how effective they still can be when they do.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1