Roma ended their wait for a first Champions League win this season with a 4-0 victory over Yaya Toure’s Slovan Bratislava. The Serie A club, returning to Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2019, produced a commanding performance at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night.
Mario Hermoso opened the scoring inside 21 minutes, heading in from close range after Daniele Ghilardi nodded down a free-kick delivered by Lorenzo Pellegrini. The goal settled Roma after a bruising 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid last week, where they conceded three goals in the last seven minutes.
Roma continued to impose themselves on the Slovakian visitors, who are managed by former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure. Nahuel Molina doubled the lead six minutes before halftime, finishing at the back post after Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takac parried a shot from ex-Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen.
The Serie A side, who drew their European opener against Fenerbahce, took advantage of some hesitant defending early in the second half to extend their lead. Matias Soule won possession in the area and laid the ball back for Niccolo Pisilli to score in the 52nd minute, his finish turning home Roma’s third goal.
Malen added the fourth just before the hour mark, converting a penalty after Cesar Blackman fouled Wesley Franca inside the box. The spot-kick was Malen’s first Champions League goal for Roma and left Slovan Bratislava bottom of the group.
Roma’s performance offered a sharp contrast to their recent collapse in Madrid. They maintained control throughout, pressing high and moving the ball with urgency. The defensive solidity also improved, with no clear chances allowed to the visitors.
Yaya Toure’s side remain without a point in the Champions League after three matches. The Slovakian club struggled to contain Roma’s pace and movement, and their attempts to respond were sporadic.
Roma’s return to the competition has been closely watched since their absence since 2019. Their victory against Slovan Bratislava was a reminder of their capacity to compete on Europe’s biggest stage when operating at full strength.
The win puts Roma on four points in their Champions League group, offering some breathing room after their opening draw and opening the door to qualification possibilities.
The match also provided a platform for several players to stake their claim in the squad. Niccolo Pisilli’s goal confirmed his potential impact, while Nahuel Molina’s contribution included his first goal for the club.
Roma will next face their group rivals with a clearer sense of confidence after this performance, while Slovan Bratislava must regroup quickly if they are to avoid finishing bottom of the group.
The victory offered Roma a boost after their dramatic loss to Real Madrid, proving they can respond decisively in Europe when the stakes are high.
According to Joy Online.
