Feyenoord and Roma will meet in a rematch of the Europa Conference League final from last season. The Giallorossi lifted their first European trophy with a 1-0 win over Feyenoord in a pulsating final.
Now, the two teams will face off once more, this time in the Europa League quarterfinals. The winner of the first leg will take an advantage into next week’s second leg in Rome. Both sides will fancy their chances of progressing into the final four of the competition.
Deze week:➱ Kwartfinale #UEL in De Kuip➱ Speelronde 29 @Eredivisie in Leeuwarden#feyrom • #camfey pic.twitter.com/DHkDjW3IRz— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) April 11, 2023
Deze week:➱ Kwartfinale #UEL in De Kuip➱ Speelronde 29 @Eredivisie in Leeuwarden#feyrom • #camfey pic.twitter.com/DHkDjW3IRz
Roma are in good form heading into the first leg in Rotterdam. Jose Mourinho’s team is third in Serie A in a highly competitive battle for Champions League qualification. The Giallorossi go into the match with Feyenoord on a two-match winning streak.
The Romans overcame Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League playoff round 3-0 before dispatching Real Sociedad in the round of 16, 2-0.
Roma did not concede a goal in their last four Europa League matches. Mourinho’s defensive tactics were at their very best. The Portuguese manager knows how to win cup competitions, especially with unfancied teams.
Feyenoord lead the Dutch Eredivisie by eight points over rivals Ajax. The Rotterdam team has not lost a match in any competition since November 3.
On that occasion, Sturm Graz of Austria defeated Feyenoord 1-0 in the Europa League group stage.
Feyenoord went unbeaten in 23 of their last 24 games in all competitions. They have a 24W-6D-1L record at home this season.
Roma have struggled on the road at times. They have a record of 8W-6D-6L with 23 goals for and 22 against away from the Italian capital.
However, Mourinho cannot be counted out from going away from Rome and winning.
The Gillorossi’s record in the knockout stages of the Europa League this season are excellent. A win to nil over Feyenoord would be Roma’s fifth straight Europa League clean sheet.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has two players on the injury list ahead of the match on Thursday. Midfielder Quinten Timber is a doubt with a knee injury. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow may not play after breaking his wrist earlier this season.
Mourinho has just one player on the injury list currently. Full-back Rick Karsdorp had nose surgery and may not be available.
Roma won the Europa Conference League final 1-0 last season. They haven’t conceded a goal in the Europa League knockout phase.
Mourinho should lead the Giallorossi to a win over Feyenoord by the slimmest of margins. Roma should win 1-0 in the end.