Roma remain on course to qualify from Group F after David Pizarro's late strike earned them a 2-2 draw in Sporting Lisbon.
Late goal keeps Italians second in Group F
David Pizarro struck an 89th minute equaliser to earn Roma a 2-2 draw in Sporting Lisbon.
Pizarro's long-range effort deflected into the net off Sporting defender Anderson Polga to ensure Roma remain second behind already-qualified Manchester United in Group F.
Marco Cassetti had given the Italians an early lead but Sporting looked to be heading for a deserved victory after Liedson scored either side of half-time.
Cassetti strikes
Roma were ahead after four minutes when left-back Cassetti cut inside, dribbled across the edge of the penalty box and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner.
That early setback jolted Sporting into life and they were unlucky not to level on 12 minutes when the linesman saved Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni's embarrassment.
Doni dropped the ball into his own net after parrying an initial shot from Fernando Abel, but the linesman raised his flag to indicate Liedson had committed a foul as he followed in.
However, the hosts did not have to wait long until a mix-up between Doni and Philippe Mexes gifted them a equaliser.
Mexes slid in front of his goalkeeper in an effort to clear a cross, but only succeeded in presenting the ball to Liedson for a tap in.
Sporting wasted several chances to move in front - Polga twice volleying over, while Joao Moutinho curled a shot just wide on the stroke of half-time.
Liedson doubles up
Liedson continued to torment Roma's defenders after the break and eventually gained reward with his second goal in the 64th minute.
The Brazilian scored with a diving header after Marat Izmailov found him unmarked at the back post following a well-worked short corner.
Sporting were content to sit back and defend their one-goal lead during the final 20 minutes, a task they looked to be accomplishing with little alarm.
That was until Pizarro tried his luck from 40 yards in the penultimate minute, the shot finding its way into the net via Polga's head.
The result leaves Roma in second place in Group F with seven points, three ahead of Sporting. Manchester United have already qualified after their victory over Dynamo Kiev moved them onto 12 points.
| Sporting Lisbon |
Team Statistics |
Roma |
|
| 2 |
Goals |
2 |
|
| 1 |
1st Half Goals |
1 |
|
| 6 |
Shots on Target |
1 |
|
| 9 |
Shots off Target |
8 |
|
| 5 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
|
| 9 |
Corners |
3 |
|
| 16 |
Fouls |
10 |
|
| 1 |
Offsides |
1 |
|
| 2 |
Yellow Cards |
4 |
|
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
|
| 82.2 |
Passing Success |
80.2 |
|
| 17 |
Tackles |
21 |
|
| 88.2 |
Tackles Success |
66.7 |
|
| 45.1 |
Possession |
54.9 |
|
| 57.8 |
Territorial Advantage |
42.2 |
|
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|
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