![Lukaku, Dybala Strike As Roma Roast Brighton In Europa League Round-16 First-leg [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]](https://i0.wp.com/lcsoccerhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240308-075656.jpg?fit=708%2C400&ssl=1)
Roberto De Zerbi’s scintillating and fairytale run with Brighton in their first-ever European campaign crashed at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.
Danielle Di Rossi seems to have gotten Roma to gears after Jose Mourinho’s exit as the Serie A giants steamrollered to a 4-0 win over Brighton in the Europa League round-16 first-leg.
It was a rampant start to the game for the home side, who pressed down Brighton’s neck as they kicked off proceedings.
Paulo Dybala raced the Giallarossi into the lead in the 12th minute, 9 minutes after they missed a golden chance to put the visitors to the sword.
Paredes assisted Dybala for the opening goal after he sent a perfect pass to the Argentine, who paced towards goal after overrunning Brighton defenders. Spotting the danger, Brighton goalkeeper Steele rushed out of goal to clear the ball but was rounded by Dybala, who then fired into an empty net.
Brighton made little push to find an equaliser as Roma continued on the ascendancy despite the narrow 1-0 lead
Two minutes before the break, Romelu Lukaku came up clutch for the Giallarossi. Paredes had lifted a long pass over the top into the visitors’ defense. Dunk made a mess of it trying to clear and Romelu Lukaku was on track to intercept it, drive into the box, and fire into the bottom corner to double the lead.
Brighton improved their game in the second half but it was not enough to unruffle Roma, who maintained a potent attacking threat despite leading 2-0 at the break
Five minutes after the hour mark, poor defending by Brighton during Roma’s corner kick cost them to concede the third goal. Van Hecke had cleared the corner but it fell for El Shaarawy who fired it back into the box for Mancini to poke home pass Steele.
Three minutes after Mancini’s goal, Cristante completed the rout for the home side as he headed home Faraone’s cross to make it 4-0 in the 68th minute.
Roberto De Zerbi cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as he watched his side collapse easily to Roma’s potent firing arsenal.
It ended 4-0 at the final whistle with Brighton teetering on the brink of Europa League exit as they face a tough task overturning the 4-0 deficit in the second-leg.
