Lille GK saves 3 Roma penalties in wild sequence
Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer saved three consecutive penalties in an extraordinary late sequence to secure a 1-0 victory over AS Roma in their Europa League group stage match on Thursday.
Håkon Arnar Haraldsson scored the only goal early in the sixth minute at the Stadio Olimpico, giving Lille a crucial lead. Roma was awarded three penalties in the closing stages after Lille fouled in the box. Artem Dovbyk took the first two attempts, both of which were saved by Özer, but the referee ordered the penalties retaken on both occasions due to encroachment by Lille players. Roma then switched penalty takers to Matías Soulé for the third shot, and Özer again denied the effort with a diving save to his right in the 85th minute.
Lille midfielder Nabil Bentaleb praised Özer’s composure and shot-stopping during the unusual penalty sequence, stating, “Berke came up with three great saves: we owe him for that.” Lille coach Bruno Génésio described the event as unprecedented, saying, “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen three consecutive penalties saved. Lots of emotion and a great reward for the players after recent defeats.”
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the missed opportunities and their impact on the result, adding, “The penalties undoubtedly affected the result. The team gave a lot in terms of intensity… That penalty could have been a turning point.”
The victory provides Lille a second win in two Europa League matches, positioning them well in the group. The club now turns its attention to an important Ligue 1 fixture against defending Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain this Sunday.
This remarkable display by Özer not only highlights his penalty-saving prowess but also underscores Lille’s resilience and tactical discipline under pressure, reinforcing their strategic intent to compete strongly on both European and domestic fronts this season.