Leeds United star Diego Llorente started for the fifth time in a Roma shirt on Thursday night and helped his side exact revenge on Arne Slot and Feyenoord – by knocking the Leeds managerial target out of the Europa League.
Feyenoord travelled to Italy’s capital on Thursday night after beating Jose Mourinho’s side 1-0 in The Netherlands. It looked good for Slot’s men, going into the final 10 minutes. The scoreline 1-1 on the night, and 2-1 on aggregate.
Leonardo Spinazzola’s opener was cancelled out by Igor Paixao on 80 minutes. But, Paulo Dybala sent the game into extra-time, before Roma took full control. Stephane El Shaarawy and Lorenzo Pellegrini scored in extra time.
So, Roma progress into the semi-finals 4-2 on aggregate – having won the Conference League last season. They might need the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League, after Juventus’ 15-point deduction was lifted.
For Llorente, it was another step in the right direction – and one towards a permanent Roma move. He was handed a start ahead of Roger Ibanez, who he has been deputising for in recent matches – after Ibanez’s Serie A suspension.
Leeds star Llorente helps exact revenge on Slot and Feyenoord
But with Ibanez back, Llorente was given the nod and while he was on the pitch – for 72 minutes – Roma did not concede. Ibanez replaced him and eight minutes later, Feyenoord equalised. Nevertheless, a big win for Mourinho.
Llorente and Roma get the last laugh over Leeds target Slot, who takes his Feyenoord side to the last eight of the Europa League but no further. Indeed, Slot’s Feyenoord can now focus on wrapping the Eredivisie title this term.
It will be an interesting summer for both involved. Llorente is likely to join Roma permanently but only if his loan side and Leeds can agree a fee – while Slot looks as though he is going to have the pick of a number of English clubs.
