Brighton’s Europa League hopes were left hanging by a thread after a 4-0 thrashing by Roma in their last-16 first leg left them with a mountain to climb at the Amex.
The scoreline was harsh on Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who paid the price for several defensive moments of madness in their first ever European knock-out tie.
The night held an extra sour note for Brighton, who announced on X their travelling fans had been targeted by coins, bottles and lighters from the home stands and that they had reported the incident to UEFA and the Italian police.
Two Seagulls fans had already been stabbed in the Italian capital ahead of the game on Wednesday night.
On the pitch, Paulo Dybala set the tone with an early opener following a quick break inside 12 minutes. It was first ruled offside by the assistant referee, but then overturned by VAR who found the Argentine comfortably behind the last man.
Despite competing well before the break, a Brighton howler gifted Roma a cushion in the final minutes of the first half when a heavy Lewis Dunk touch set Romelu Lukaku away, and after giving Jason Steele the eyes he tucked in a second at the near post.
The third was barely better defended as a half-cleared corner was returned to the box and slid home by Gianluca Mancini before the game, and perhaps the tie, were put to bed barely two minutes later as Bryan Cristante nodded home after some more dreadful defending.
How Brighton’s European dreams were left in ruins in Rome
Brighton, playing in their first ever European knockout tie, were almost 1-0 down inside three minutes when Leonardo Spinazzola was given too much time on the left and picked out Chelsea loanee Lukaku, whose header was brilliantly tipped over by Steele.
It had largely been one-way traffic but Brighton provided a reminder of their threat when Simon Adingra – one of six changes from Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Fulham – saw his cross deflected onto the post by Roma’s Evan Ndicka.
That chanced settled Brighton, who had just started to dictate possession when they were cut open for the opener after 12 minutes.
Leandro Paredes threaded a superb through ball from inside his own half, which Lewis Dunk was unable to intercept and Dybala rounded Steele before he fired into the empty net.
Dybala’s joy was initially cut short when the offside flag was raised but a VAR check deemed the Argentina attacker had been onside and the goal stood.
Roma left Brighton on the verge of Europa League exit with a 4-0 last-16 first-leg win at the Stadio Olimpico
Brighton did respond well to going behind and more joy for Adingra down the left created a chance for Welbeck after 26 minutes, but Mile Svilar brilliantly saved with his feet.
Lukaku headed another opportunity off target soon after before Jan Paul van Hecke deflected a Lorenzo Pellegrini shot wide as Roma retained their dominance and that turned into a second goal with 43 minutes on the clock.
Another Paredes ball forward caused Brighton problems and captain Dunk’s poor touch allowed Lukaku to race through and slot beyond Steele for his 18th goal of the season.
The visitors almost responded instantly after Adingra crossed in for Welbeck, but Svilar produced a flying save to thwart the header.
De Zerbi introduced Ansu Fati at half-time, but Roma should have made it 3-0 early into the second period only for Steele to deny Lukaku’s latest header.
The next goal felt crucial and more Adingra magic created another opening for Welbeck, who could only scoop over from inside the area.
It was a pivotal miss with Roma able to grab their third and fourth goals in quick succession to all but kill the tie.
Mancini poked home from Stephan El Shaarawy’s cross after 64 minutes and although the defender appeared marginally offside, a VAR check awarded the goal.
Four minutes later it was 4-0 as El Shaarawy again burst down the left and found Cristante, who headed home to ensure De Zerbi endured a night to forget on his return to Italy.
What’s next for Roma and Brighton?
Roma head to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday; kick-off 7.45pm. They return to the Amex the following Thursday for the return leg.
Brighton face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday ahead of the second leg; kick-off 2pm. Watch free highlights on Sky Sports’ digital platforms shortly after full-time.
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