Roma's Winning Streak Continues: Dovbyk's Late Goal Secures Victory Over Lecce

AS Roma maintained their impressive form in Serie A with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on March 29, 2025. The match was a display of resilience and tactical discipline from the Giallorossi, who have now recorded their seventh consecutive league win, strengthening their position in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Match Overview

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Roma struggled to find the back of the net for most of the match. Lecce, fighting to claw their way out of the relegation zone, put up a determined defense but ultimately succumbed to the quality of Roma's attack.

The decisive moment came late in the game when Artem Dovbyk, who has quickly established himself as a key player for the Romans, found the net in the 89th minute. Dovbyk's strike was the culmination of relentless pressure from Roma, who had previously seen several attempts thwarted by Lecce's goalkeeper and defensive line.

Tactical Analysis

Head coach José Mourinho employed a flexible formation that allowed Roma to control the midfield while pressing high to suffocate Lecce’s build-up play. The 4-2-3-1 formation utilized by Mourinho enabled his side to dominate possession, with a remarkable 68% ball control throughout the match.

The midfield duo of Mady Camara and Gianluca Mancini excelled, frequently disrupting Lecce's transitions and initiating attacks. However, it was the width provided by Matias Soule and Nicolo Zaniolo that created effective crossing opportunities, which ultimately led to Dovbyk's late heroics.

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Lecce's Struggles

For Lecce, this match marked their fifth consecutive defeat, plunging them deeper into crisis as they sit perilously close to the relegation zone. Coach Marco Baroni's strategies appeared ineffective, particularly in the final third, where Lecce managed just two shots on target throughout the match.

The home side's defense, while initially solid, began to show signs of fatigue as Roma ramped up their search for a breakthrough. The inability to convert chances into goals has become a recurring theme for Lecce, raising concerns about their survival in Serie A as the season progresses.

Implications of the Result

This latest victory not only bolsters Roma's aspirations for Champions League qualification but also highlights the team's growing depth and resilience. Dovbyk, with his crucial goal, demonstrates his importance in the squad, and as he continues to settle in, he could become a pivotal figure in Roma's pursuit of silverware.

With this win, Roma climbs to third place in the Serie A standings, just two points behind Napoli and three points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Lecce finds themselves in a precarious position, with only three points separating them from the relegation zone.

Conclusion

As the Serie A season approaches its climax, Roma’s momentum is palpable, with the team showcasing both skill and determination. Under Mourinho's guidance, they have transformed into a formidable force, capable of grinding out results even when the game appears to be slipping away. For Lecce, however, urgent adjustments are needed to reverse their fortunes and avoid the impending threat of relegation.

For more detailed insights on the match, you can check the full report on Yahoo Sports and catch highlights on BBC Sport.

As the battle for Serie A intensifies, all eyes will be on Roma as they continue their chase for a Champions League spot, while Lecce must regroup quickly if they hope to stave off relegation.