Lazio continued their flawless start to the Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory against FC Twente, despite missing numerous chances against a team reduced to 10 men for most of the match. Goals from Pedro and Gustav Isaksen secured the win for the Italian side.
The match began with Lazio taking advantage of an early red card shown to FC Twente’s goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall, who was sent off after bringing down Boulaye Dia just 11 minutes into the game. This left Twente playing with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Lazio dominated possession and created several opportunities, with Mattia Zaccagni’s cross-shot narrowly missing both Pedro and the post. Adam Marusic almost scored accidentally when his cross hit the base of the upright. Lazio eventually broke the deadlock when Matias Vecino set up Pedro, who scored from 12 yards out after VAR confirmed the goal was valid.
Despite having numerous chances, Lazio struggled to extend their lead. Luca Pellegrini missed a close-range volley, and Taty Castellanos had a goal disallowed due to a foul on Pedro. The referee initially awarded Lazio a penalty but reversed the decision after a VAR review.
The second goal came in the 87th minute when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru found Isaksen for a simple tap-in, sealing the victory for Lazio. The match was marred by an incident involving Loum Tchaouna, who reported racist gestures from some Twente players as he was substituted.
With this win, Lazio remains at the top of their Europa League group, sharing nine points with Tottenham and RSC Anderlecht but boasting a superior goal difference.
Goals: Pedro 35 (L), Isaksen 87 (L)
Sent off: Unnerstall 11 (T)
Twente (4-2-3-1): Unnerstall; van Rooij, Hilgers, Bruns, Salah-Eddine (dall’80’ Ltaief); Regeer, Vlap (dal 61′ Eiting); van Wolfswinkel, Steijn (dal 61′ Besselink), van Bergen (dal 14′ Tyton); Lammers (dal 46′ Kuipers).
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic, Gigot (dal 77′ Patric), Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Vecino (dal 64′ Rovella), Dele-Bashiru; Tchaouna (dall’89’ Gila), Pedro, Zaccagni (dal 64′ Castellanos); Dia (dal 77′ Isaksen).
