Viktoria Plzeň continued their unbeaten run in the Europa League with a surprise 2-1 win over AS Roma in Italy. The defeat was Roma’s fourth loss in their last five home games.
Plzeň, now led by their third manager of the competition, Martin Hyský, started brightly and took advantage of Roma’s weak defending. Prince Kwabena Adu gave the visitors the lead after 20 minutes, showing strength on the left before chipping the ball over Roma keeper Mile Svilar.
Soon after, Cheick Souaré doubled Plzeň’s lead with a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards. Roma tried to respond before half-time, but Plzeň defended well and kept their two-goal advantage.
Roma improved after the break and got back into the game when Paulo Dybala scored a penalty following a handball confirmed by VAR. Despite heavy pressure late on, Roma couldn’t find an equaliser.
Substitutes Leon Bailey and Evan Ndicka both went close, but the Czech side held firm thanks to strong defending from Sampson Dwe.
The result gives Hyský a perfect start to his European coaching career and moves Plzeň into the top eight of the group stage. Roma, meanwhile, have just three points from three matches and will need good results away to Rangers and Celtic to revive their Europa League hopes.
