By Milcah Tanimu
ROME, Nov 7 (Reuters) – Lazio clinched a crucial 1-0 home victory over Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, thanks to Ciro Immobile’s first-half goal. This win keeps Lazio’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive, and they now occupy the second position in Group E under the management of Maurizio Sarri.
Lazio, who suffered a 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture last month, now have seven points from four games, sitting just one point behind Group E leaders Atletico Madrid, who overwhelmed Celtic with a 6-0 victory in the other group match.
The first half of the game was largely uneventful, but the excitement kicked in during stoppage time when captain Ciro Immobile found the back of the net for Lazio. He skillfully rounded Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Justin Bijlow, and struck a low shot from a tight angle towards the far post.
This goal marked Immobile’s 200th career goal for Lazio, as he returned to his central attacking role following Sarri’s lineup changes after their recent 1-0 loss to Bologna in the league.
Feyenoord’s striker, Santiago Gimenez, had a chance to equalize in the 67th minute after a free kick, but his header narrowly missed the target. The Mexican striker, who scored twice in their previous victory over Lazio in Rotterdam, also had a good opportunity before halftime, but Lazio’s goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel, denied him with a fingertip save.
Provedel further solidified Lazio’s win in stoppage time by keeping out Ayase Ueda’s towering header.
Sarri commented on the match, stating, “We played a match in which we were at our best, even in moments of suffering. Against them, we had to endure because they are prolific goal-scorers, but tonight we managed to keep them at bay. However, there is some concern about injuries, especially with (Mattia) Zaccagni and Luis Alberto.”
Midfielder Zaccagni was substituted by Pedro shortly after the hour mark, while Luis Alberto required medical attention on the pitch just before full time, as Lazio had already exhausted all their substitutions.
Feyenoord also faced an injury setback, losing defender Bart Nieuwkoop in the 20th minute of the game. The Dutch champions, who initially topped the group standings, now find themselves in third place with six points.
While Feyenoord was European champions in 1970, they have not reached the knockout stage in the Champions League since the competition adopted the format in 1992.
