Claudio Ranieri, now in his third stint as AS Roma manager, continues to weave his magic as the Giallorossi secured their second win in a mixed UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign.
A resounding 3-0 victory over SC Braga at the Stadio Olimpico marked their 11th win in the last 14 home games in European competition, showcasing the strength of Ranieri’s leadership.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Seeking consecutive victories for the first time since April, Roma wasted no time asserting their dominance. A perfectly weighted ball from Evan Ndicka found Nicola Zalewski on the left flank, who set up Lorenzo Pellegrini to slot home his first goal of the season in the 10th minute. This early strike marked the seventh time in Braga’s last nine matches that they conceded within the opening 20 minutes. The hosts almost doubled their advantage soon after, as Pellegrini’s free header rattled the crossbar.
Braga Struggles Against Roma Pressure
Despite their recent 3-0 dismantling of TSG Hoffenheim in Europe, Braga struggled to find their rhythm. Roma’s relentless attacks saw Pellegrini come close again, with a deflected effort narrowly missing the target and Braga goalkeeper Matheus making a crucial save to deny another attempt. Heading into halftime with just a one-goal cushion, the Giallorossi ensured the momentum stayed firmly in their favor.
Second-Half Flourish
The home crowd didn’t have to wait long for more to celebrate. Saud Abdulhamid scored his first European goal shortly after the restart, firing a precise shot into the roof of the net to double Roma’s lead. From there, the Giallorossi tightened their grip on the match. Gianluca Mancini’s deflected effort found the net but was ruled offside, while Matías Soulé squandered two promising opportunities.
Drama and Sealing the Victory
Any hopes of a Braga comeback were dashed when their goalkeeper received a red card for handling the ball outside the area while attempting to deny Abdulhamid. The drama didn’t stop there; substitute Stephan El Shaarawy saw a late strike blocked on the line by teammate Artem Dovbyk. In stoppage time, Mario Hermoso finally sealed the deal, pouncing to score his first goal for the club and put the finishing touch on a dominant performance.
What’s Next?
With this victory, Roma move closer to the top eight in their group standings. Meanwhile, Braga’s five-game unbeaten streak comes to an end (W4, D1), though they remain in the playoff spots. For Ranieri and his resurgent Roma, the victory is a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion under his experienced stewardship.