Europa League: Rome restores pride, Genoa fall in epic battle

After appauling defeats in their first round both Lazio and Roma restored pride and put themselves in position to qualify for the next round.

Levski Sofia 0-4 Lazio
Lazio equaled their record highest score in Europe by winning by four goals away in Bulgaria. After inexplicably loosing to Salzberg in the first round, Lazio bounced back. Mauro Zarate led the charge early on and set up Francelino Matuzalem who powered his shot past the keeper. Levski tried to get back in the game, but Mauro Zarate made it 2-0 at half time with a quality shot from the edge of the box. Lazio were playing with confidence and Mourad Meghni scored an excellent goal to make it 3-0 on 67 minutes. Foggia played Megnhi through and he fired home into the top corner. Finally, Rocchi made it 4-0 as he took it past the keeper and finished well. Lazio face Villareal next.

Roma 2-0 CSKA Sofia
Roma, after loosing to Basle in the first round, moved back into second behind Fulham in their group. A youthful Roma took to the field minus many first team regulars, but by half time it was 2-0. Okaka put Roma ahead, and Perotta made it 2-0 after he was assisted by David Pizzaro. Roma, who play Fulham next, remain favourites in my eyes to top their group so long as they take these games seriously.

Valencia 3-2 Genoa
Genoa fought bravely against a strong Valencia side, but in the end lost thanks to a David Villa penalty. Genoa took the lead in this one against the run of play through a well taken Floccari goal and lead 1-0 at half time. However, Valencia's excellence showed when David Silva leveled the tie early in the second half. Indeed, they took the lead through Zigic who tapped home. It looked like Valencia would storm it, but it was 2-2 shortly as Kharja converted a deserved spot kick to level the tie. Genoa looked like they were going to hold on, but Villa was brought down late on and the master converted the spot kick to give Valencia the points. Genoa drop to third in the group, and play Lille next. Genoa though look like they have the quality to get out of the group stages at the very least.