Lazio’s Champions League race is becoming terribly complicated. Up until the 90th minute the Biancocelesti were ahead of Atalanta and just one point behind Roma. They didn’t take into account Milan Djuric, lethal once and then a second time when the team was anticipating the three points. Monza confirms itself as an inflexible referee in the race for the greatest continental tournament: the Brianza team had already stopped Bologna’s race in recent weeks.
For this delicate challenge, Igor Tudor once again relies on Ciro Immobile. The captain had not started since the derby last April 6th. He repays the coach’s trust after 7 minutes with a tap-in from the penalty area as a true opportunist: Kamada’s shot, Di Gregorio deflects onto the crossbar, the ball returns to the field with the center forward who is quicker than anyone and scores the winning shot . He hadn’t scored for almost 3 months, precisely since Valentine’s Day against Bayern in the Champions League, while for the championship we have to go back to February 10th in Cagliari.
Monza dangerous on more than one occasion, with Pessina and especially Bondo, unable to take advantage of a good cross from Carboni with his head. For the Biancocelesti the atmosphere becomes electric in the 32nd minute: Tudor, to everyone’s amazement, removes Zaccagni from the field. No physical problems, but a yellow card that didn’t leave the Croatian at peace. In his place was Casale (who received a yellow card two minutes later) and the attacker left the pitch, avoiding eye contact with the coach.
Monza wasn’t there and took it back in the 73rd minute: Donati went up the right and rewarded the insertion of Pessina, who headed in a great save from Mandas. Tap-in by Djuric and the 1-1 goal initially disallowed for alleged offside. The intervention of the VAR instead highlights the regularity of the action.
Entering the game in full swing, Vecino disguises himself as a man of providence, with the collaboration of the Monza defense in the mood for gifts. Sensational defensive error by Donati which turns out to be an assist for the incredulous Uruguayan who finds himself in front of Di Gregorio and passes him out: 1-2 in the 84th minute. All done? No, because from a cross from Pessina there is Djuric who seems to take the lift, jumps higher than Romagnoli and heads past Mandas: 2-2 in the 91st minute. Terrible mockery.
With this result things are getting really bad for the Biancocelesti. There are still 9 points up for grabs against Empoli, Inter and Sassuolo. But everything will depend on any falls of those in front.
