Italian side Roma and in-form French outfit Lyon go head-to-head on Thursday in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League clash. The first leg was an entertaining affair with the French side recording a 4-2 win on home soil.
The victory obviously gives Lyon the advantage in the tie. However, Roma’s two away goals may prove crucial in who advances to the last-eight the competition. The Giallorossi only have to record a 2-0 or 3-1 victory to progress.
However, Lyon have been on absolute fire in front of goal in recent games, scoring four or more goals in their last three matches in Europe’s secondary competition. In fact, Bruno Genesio’s team have scored four or more goals in six of their last seven games in all competitions, which is an incredible record.
The French club have certainly been deadly in front of goal. The home side's form has dipped slightly of late, as they have suffered three defeats from their last four outings in all competitions.
Their recent form does not bode well for Luciano Spalletti’s side to progress into the last eight of this competition. The fact the side from the Italian capital have conceded two or more goals in three of their last four outings also suggests that Lyon will cause them problems at the back.
Another interesting factor is that Roma have won just two of their last eight home games in this competition. Last time out in this competition at the Stadio Olimpico, Spalletti’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spanish side Villarreal. However, in truth, that tie was finished in the first leg.
Roma were the favourites to progress to the last eight prior to the first leg. They Romans may just win the battle, but with Lyon’s firepower, the French side may just win the war.